7 


l^mter  perries 


Copyright,  191 1,  by 
WILLIAM  O.  ROGERS 


THE  PRSMIBR  PRESS 
NEW  YORK 


Co  iWp  Ctjilltren 
tCo  ^acreb  iMemories; 


D 

igitized  by 

the  Internet 

Archive 

in  2014 

https://archive.org/details/winterberries01  roge 


FOREWORD 


The  verse  of  this  little  book  has  been  written 
under  the  limitations  of  old  age.  The  work  of  a 
layman,  the  verse  is  not  exigetical  and  may  often 
fail  to  express  the  full  and  approved  meaning  of  the 
respective  Bible  text,  but  I  am  not  without  the  hope 
that  something  may  somewhere  be  found  in  the  book 
not  altogether  inappropriate  to  the  sacred  theme  and 
not  entirely  out  of  sympathy  with  the  thought  of 
those  who  know  and  love  the  Word. 

In  these  "piping  times"  old  age  is  not  at  a  prem- 
ium in  the  market-place,  but  it  is  not  without  its  pri- 
vate resources.  It  is  not  necessarily  as  a  Valley  of 
Dry  Bones,  nor  is  it  always  desolated  by  the  storms 
of  winter.  In  our  temperate  zone,  genial  Nature 
asserts  itself  in  the  patches  of  green  that  line  our 
highways  or  define  our  hedges  and  garden  walks,  de- 
spite blizzards  and  snow-drifts.  All  seasons  of  the 
year  enter  in  the  light  and  shadows  of  a  winter  day. 
So,  also,  the  winter  of  life  has  its  inheritances.  Loves 
and  friendships  mingle  with  the  evening  twilight. 
The  promise  of  spring,  the  fulness  of  summer  and 
the  ripeness  of  autumn  are  mingled  in  the  glow  of  the 
Christmas  fire  and  respond  to  the  gladness  of  the 
Christmas  greeting. 

W.  O.  R. 

Madison,  New  Jersey,  Dec,  1911. 

5 


THE  BIBLE 


O  Book  of  Books  that  ne'er  grows  old. 
Though  centuries  o'er  thee  roll, 

That  tells  the  tale  none  else  hath  told. 
The  one  immortal  scroll. 

Naught  strikes  the  keynotes  of  our  life 
That  does  not  sound  in  thee: 

No  trumpet  calls  to  moral  strife. 
But  sounds  thy  victory. 

The  hidden  springs  of  secret  thought, 
The  source  of  emprise  high, 

Are  stirred  by  message  thou  hast  brought, 
The  fountain  ne'er  runs  dry. 

It  breaks  the  prison  bars  of  sin, 

And  bids  the  captives  free, 
It  sounds  above  the  strife  and  din, 

The  world's  great  jubilee. 


6 


THE    BOND    OF    EARTH    AND  SKY 


While  the  Earth  remaineth,  seed  time  and  harvest,  cold 
and  heat,  and  summer  and  winter,  and  day  and  night  shall 
not  cease. — Genesis,  viii  122. 

Earth  in  the  beauty  of  her  primal  morn, 
Has  heard  the  mandate  of  her  King, 

And  swift  the  message  by  his  heralds  borne, 
O'er  land  and  sea,  with  tireless  wing. 

They  bade  the  clouds  release  their  hoarded  gain. 

To  swell  the  cisterns  of  the  hill. 
While  in  the  valley  waved  the  golden  grain, 

And  songs  of  praise  the  temples  fill. 

The  trees  heard — stalwart  oak  and  stately  pine — 
That  guard  the  treasures  of  the  brook. 

"Trees  of  the  Lord,"  that  shelter  man  and  kine, 
The  peaceful  glade,  the  dreamy  nook. 

Sun  and  Moon  heard  and  wooed  the  sea  with  tide. 
That  sway  the  world  in  ebb  and  flow. 

As  waves  of  human  thought  the  masses  guide. 
When  changing  seasons  come  and  go. 

Man  heard  and  sprang  to  his  allotted  toil. 

And  built  his  storehouse  strong  and  high. 

Assured  of  day  and  night  and  harvest  soil. 
As  marriage  bond  of  Earth  and  Sky. 

9 


THE  MANNA 


And  when  the  children  of  Israel  saw  it,  they  said  -one  to 
another,  it  is  Manna;  for  they  knew  not  what  it  was.  And 
Moses  said  unto  them:  This  is  the  bread  that  the  Lord  hath 
given  you  to  eat. — Exodus,  xvi:i5. 

Know  ye  the  Manna  as  it  falls  to  Earth, 

The  bread  of  heaven  that  comes  each  day, 

To  those  who  in  this  wilderness  of  dearth 
Seek  a  Promised  Land  so  far  away? 

When  oft  with  struggling  worn,  heart-sick  and  sore. 
With  naught  but  desert  sands  in  sight, 

While  hunger  murmurs  for  lost  Egypt's  store; 
Does  Manna  fall  with  dews  of  night? 

Whence  comes  the  spirit  food  that  mortals  need, 

To  stay  the  craving  of  the  soul? 
Can  Earth  with  all  its  wealth  of  products  yield 

The  strength  that  bears  us  to  our  goal? 

O  Father  God,  to  whom  for  bread  we  pray. 
Give  us  to  know  this  heavenly  food. 

That  we  may  safely  journey  on  each  day. 
And  find  in  Thee  our  highest  good. 

10 


THE         FIRST  FRUITS 


As  for  the  oblation  of  the  first  fruits,  ye  shall  offer  them 
unto  the  Lord,  but  they  shall  not  be  burnt  on  the  altar  for 
a  sweet  Savour. —  Leviticus,  ii:i2. 

•* 

Lord  of  the  harvest,  all  is  Thine, 

The  fatness  of  the  fields, 
The  ripened  fruit  of  tree  and  vine, 

The  wealth  that  Nature  yields. 

The  plowshare  and  the  sickle  meet, 

With  sheaves  of  golden  grain ; 
The  sowers  and  the  reapers  greet, 

And  press  the  loaded  wain. 

The  rustle  of  the  spring  that  thrills 

With  joys  of  summer  time, 
The  winter  rest  for  autumn  rills, 

The  seasons,  all  are  Thine. 

To  Thee,  with  song,  the  toilers  come, 

And  throng  Thy  Holy  Ways, 
With  tribute  brought  from  "Harvest  Home" 

And  frankincense  of  praise. 


XI 


THE 


UNCHANGING 


GOD 


God  is  not  a  man  that  he  should  lie,  neither  the  son  of 
man  that  he  should  repent.  Hast  he  said  and  shall  he  not  do 
it?  Or  hath  he  spoken  and  shall  he  not  make  it  good? — Num- 
bers, xxiii  :ig. 


He  changes  not.    It  is  not  chance  that  reigns, 
Else  suns  would  in  wild  courses  burn, 

And  ruin,  far  beyond  man's  wildest  dreams, 
Would  these  fair  skies  to  chaos  turn. 

He  changes  not.  Therefore,  men  serenely  build. 
And  plan  and  weave  and  till  the  soil. 

To  find  their  barns  with  fruit  and  treasures  filled, 
The  promised  gains  of  honest  toil. 

He  changes  not.   The  codes  of  Wrong  and  Right, 

In  their  solemn  grandeur  stand, 
Unmoved  by  time,  or  fraud,  or  human  might, 

Upheld  by  His  almighty  hand. 


12 


THE 


MERCIFUL 


GOD 


For  the  Lord,  thy  God,  is  a  merciful  God:  He  will  not 
forsake  thee,  neither  destroy  thee,  nor  forget  the  covenant 
of  thy  fathers  which  he  sware  unto  them.-Deuteronomy,  iv:3i. 


To  Thee,  Lord  God,  most  merciful  and  good, 
Who  ne'er  thy  people  did  forsake. 

With  whom  thy  covenant  has  firmly  stood, 
To  thee,  O  Lord,  our  prayer  we  make. 

Not  for  ourselves  alone  the  soul's  deep  cry, 
As  truths  eternal  claim  our  view; 

But  love  supreme  would  hold  its  treasures  high 
And  plead  Thy  promise  for  them,  too. 


13 


JOSHUA'S 


OLD 


AGE 


Now  Joshua  was  old  and  stricken  in  years,  and  the  Lord 
said  unto  him.  Thou  art  old  and  stricken  in  years  and  there 
remaineth  yet  much  land  to  be  possessed. — ^Joshua,  xiii:i. 

The  years  are  stronger  than  the  hero's  might, 
They  rule  the  King,  they  stay  the  strife. 

The  wisest  cease  from  toil  ere  comes  the  night. 
While  yet  the  waning  strength  has  life. 

From  Pisgah's  mount  across  the  Jordan  stream, 

He  trod  the  path  that  Moses  saw. 
And  now  before  him  lies  his  life-long  dream. 

The  open  book  of  Judah's  law. 

But  now  the  glories  of  his  manhood  pale. 
No  more  for  him  the  sun  stands  still. 

Or  moon  shall  pause  in  Ajalon's  soft  vale; 
The  shadows  fall  despite  his  will. 

But  much  of  mighty  work  is  still  undone. 
The  Promised  Land  is  not  yet  theirs, 

And  many  battles  must  be  fought  and  won. 
Before  the  tribes  receive  their  shares. 

Other  hands  the  unfinished  task  must  take. 
The  years  have  conquered  him  at  last. 

He  lays  his  burden  down  to  Him  who  spake. 
Who  swayed  his  future  as  his  past. 

14 


JAEL,     HEBER'S  WIFE 


Then  Jael,  Heber's  wife,  took  a  nail  of  the  tent  and  took 
a  hammer  in  her  hand,  and  went  softly  unto  him  and  smote 
the  nail  into  his  temple,  and  fastened  it  into  the  ground,  for  he 
was  fast  asleep  and  weary.    So  he  died. — ^Judges,  iv:2i. 


Not  by  the  standards  of  our  present  thought, 

Dare  we  to  measure  deeds  of  old, 
That  seem  so  oft  with  crime  and  treachery  fraught, 

Yet  did  some  gracious  purpose  hold. 

Our  human  gaze  through  mists  obscure  and  deep. 
Can  only  read  the  small  we  know. 

While  some  great  promise  that  has  seemed  to  sleep. 
Is  brought  to  light  in  some  swift  blow. 

So  Deborah  the  praise  of  Jael  sang, 

As  noblest  woman  of  that  day, 
Whose  deed  of  valor  through  all  Israel  rang. 

When  fell  the  hated  Canaan  sway. 


15 


THE 


FAITHFUL 


RUTH 


And  Ruth  said :  Entreat  me  not  to  leave  thee  or  to  return 
from  following  after  three,  for  whither  thou  goest  I  will  go, 
and  where  thou  lodgest  I  will  lodge.  Thy  people  shall  be  my 
people  and  thy  God  my  God. — Ruth,  i:i6. 

Poor  Naomi,  now  of  thy  sons  bereft, 

Why  Unger  in  an  alien  land, 
Where  naught  save  bitter  dregs  of  life  are  left, 

The  withered  hopes,  the  empty  hand? 

Back  to  memory's  scenes  of  childhood  turn, 

Back,  infirm,  desolate,  alone! 
Nay,  but  gentle  Ruth  with  sweet  words  that  burn, 

Has  now  the  stronger,  braver  grown. 

Her  love  that  slumbered  as  a  peaceful  brook. 

Now  like  a  swollen  river  flows; 
Her  race,  her  creed,  and  all  the  past  forsook, 

She  treads  the  path  Naomi  goes. 

"Entreat  me  not,"  she  pleads,  with  tearful  eyes. 

Then  love  its  hymn  of  conquest  sings, 
For  blessings  came  to  her  from  earth  and  skies, 

And  David's  line  of  mighty  kings. 

i6 


THE     VOICE     THAT     SAMUEL  HEARD 


And  the  Lord  came  and  stood  and  called  as  at  other  times, 
Samuel,  Samuel.  Then  Samuel  answered.  Speak,  for  thy  ser- 
vant heareth. — i  Samuel,  iii:io. 

The  child  shall  weave  the  garb  that  age  must  wear, 

Give  answer  to  the  sacred  voice 
That  summons  it  the  prophet's  task  to  bear, 

With  Light  Divine  to  guide  its  choice. 

The  Priest  of  old  shall  bow  to  God's  decree, 

For  words  so  spoken  in  the  night. 
And  in  the  pain  and  anguish  yet  to  be, 

He  reads  that  God  can  do  but  right. 

How  solemn  and  how  tender  is  the  call 

That  comes  to  childhood's  listening  ear, 

That  consecrates  to  God  its  heart  through  all. 
And  holds  no  other  claim  so  dear. 

The  voice  that  Samuel  heard  still  calls  the  youth. 

In  the  sweet  dawning  of  their  day; 
Thrice  happy  they  who  hear  the  sacred  truth. 

And  never  from  its  mandates  stray. 


17 


DAVID'S        LAMENT       FOR  ABSALOM 


But  the  King  covered  his  face  and  the  King  cried  with  a 
loud  voice,  O  my  son,  Absalom,  O  Absalom,  my  son,  my  son. — 
2  Samuel,  xix:4. 

From  Ephraim's  woods  and  far  Jordan  banks, 
The  fighting  men  of  Judah's  loyal  tribe, 
Blood-stained  and  weary  from  the  fierce  battle, 
And  their  glorious  victory,  have  come 
To  join  their  King,  whose  crown  and  life  they  saved 
By  valorous  deeds  that  day. 

The  King  heeds  not. 
Through  the  open  windows  above  the  gate 
They  hear  his  cries  and  groans  of  bitter  grief. 
And  soon  the  whisper  spreads  among  the  crowd, 
"The  King  will  see  us  not.   In  yonder  room 
He  hides  in  mourning  for  his  ingrate  son." 
Then  slowly  turn  away  and  seek  their  tents 
As  men  ashamed  from  battle  lost  will  shrink. 
Why  comes  he  not,  brave  Judah's  lion  King? 
Why  hides  he  in  that  upper  room  alone? 

Can  trumpet's  blare  the  voice  of  Nature  hush? 
May  not  the  King  know  grief,  though  he  be  King? 

i8 


DAVID'S        LAMENT        FOR  ABSALOM 


To-morrow,  Joab,  merciless  and  stern, 
Shall  come  with  cruel  taunt  and  thin-veiled  threat, 
Till  Duty's  cold  behest  the  monarch  owns. 
Then  he  will  rise  and  gird  his  kingly  robe. 
Sit  at  the  gate  where  all  may  plainly  see, 
To  guide  and  lead  his  people  as  before. 
To-day  the  victor's  shout  dies  in  a  groan, 
The  wreath  of  glory  fades  to  withered  leaves. 
To-day  through  one  bitter,  burning  hour. 
He  shall  voice  the  cry  of  all  the  ages. 
The  cry  that  breaks  from  hearts  who  mourn  their 
dead. 

All  barriers  of  worldly  pride  and  rank. 

All  screens  that  hide  the  treasures  of  the  soul, 

Are  swept  aside  in  the  imperious  rush, 

And  resistless  tide  of  a  parent's  love. 

The  King  is  man  till  manhood's  debt  is  paid. 

What  though  that  son  he  mourned  had  wayward  been, 
False  to  all  trusts  that  noble  manhood  claims? 
Was  he  not  still  his  son?   His  winsome  boy, 
Who  warmed  his  father's  heart  and  shared  his  hopes? 

19 


DAVID'S        LAMENT        FOR  ABSALOM 


Love  outlives  the  changes  of  passing  years, 
Love  rules  the  palace  as  it  sways  the  hut, 
It  clasps  the  poor  in  its  embracing  arms, 
And  binds  the  truly  great  with  golden  chains. 
Love  conquers  all,  is  masterful,  supreme. 
And  he  the  greater  is  who  loves  the  more. 
Despite  some  grievous  wound  or  cruel  wrong. 

O  my  son,  Absalom,  my  son,  my  son.  * 
Would  God  that  I  had  died  for  thee,  my  son. 


20 


THE 


MEAL 


AND 


O  I  L 


And  the  barrel  of  meal  wasted  not,  neither  did  the  cruise 
of  oil  fail,  according  to  the  word  of  the  Lord  which  he  spake 
by  Elijah. — i  Kings,  xvii:i6. 

The  rain  falls  no  more.   Cherith  brook  is  dry. 

Fields  are  barren,  the  gardens  dead, 
Panting  with  thirst,  the  cattle  helpless  lie, 

Men  fight  to  give  the  children  bread. 

Where  shall  the  prophet  go  that  he  may  live, 

But  to  Zeraphah,  Zidon  way? 
A  widow  there  from  her  slender  store  shall  give 

The  all  she  has — food  for  one  day. 

Can  Faith  do  more  than  quickly  give  its  all 

To  cheer  some  other  soul  in  need? 
Where  heart  responsive  beats  to  Pity's  call, 

And  for  the  morrow  takes  no  heed? 

How  oft  in  darkest  hour  the  light  may  break, 
When  Faith  had  fed  the  secret  flame? 

The  meal  and  oil  of  love  shall  never  slake 
When  both  are  given  "IN  HIS  NAME." 

21 


THE 


HEAVENLY 


HOST 


And  Elisha  prayed  and  said:  Lord,  I  pray  thee  open  his 
eyes  that  he  may  see.  And  the  Lord  opened  the  eyes  of  the 
young  man  and  he  saw,  and  behold  the  mountain  was  full  of 
horses  and  chariots  of  fire  round  about  Elisha. — 2  Kings,  viiiy. 

If  our  poor  sight  was  purged  by  Faith  and  Prayer, 
Could  we  behold  the  mountains  glow, 

With  the  angelic  hosts  assembled  there. 
Watching  our  actions  here  below. 

Could  we  see  horse  and  chariot  of  fire. 
Guarding  God's  people  round  about, 

Would  that  strange,  all-glorious  sight  inspire 
Our  hearts  with  love  beyond  all  doubt? 

Is  Heaven  nearer  than  we  have  dared  to  think? 

Does  this  thin  veil  of  sense  obscure 
The  streets  of  gold,  the  gates  of  pearl  that  gleam. 

The  healing  leaves,  the  fountains  pure? 

Why  do  we  shrink  appalled  from  thought  of  death, 
That  shades  the  window  of  our  sight? 

A  flash,  a  gasp,  a  groan,  a  hush  of  breath. 
And  lo!  a  world  all  bathed  in  light! 

22 


U  Z  Z  A 


AND 


THE 


ARK 


And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled  against  Uzza, 
and  he  smote  him  because  he  put  his  hand  to  the  Ark  and 
there  he  died  before  God. — i  Chronicles,  xiiiiio. 

How  sharp  the  stroke !  How  swift  and  sure  the  blow! 

As  lightning  from  an  angry  cloud! 
The  wrath  of  God  that  lays  the  greatest  low, 

That  smites  the  haughty  and  the  proud. 

He  needs  no  human  arm  to  save  His  own, 

His  Holy  Ark  shall  rest  secure, 
Sustained  by  His  Almighty  hand  alone, 

It  stands  upon  foundations  sure. 

'Tis  not  for  man  to  deem  it  common  thing, 

Beside  God's  sacred  Ark  to  stand. 
But  holy  tasks  must  due  reverence  bring, 

Not  rashly  touched  with  thoughtless  hand. 

How  solemn  are  the  teachings  of  God's  way! 

What  silent  awe  surrounds  his  throne! 
Yet  here  and  there  we  learn  His  watchful  sway. 

In  love  or  anger  plainly  shown. 


23 


ATHALIAH 


But  when  Athaliah,  the  mother  of  Ahaziah,  saw  that 
her  son  was  dead,  she  arose  and  destroyed  all  the  seed  royal 
of  the  house  of  Judah. — 2  Chronicles,  xxiiiio. 

Why  flamed  Athaliah  that  fateful  hour, 

When  first  she  heard  her  son  was  dead? 

Was  it  maternal  wrath?    Or  lust  of  power, 
When  from  her  heart  all  mercy  fled? 

How  strange  that  in  a  woman's  breast  could  sleep 
The  vampire's  thirst  for  human  blood! 

What  grievous  wrong,  what  wound,  however  deep, 
Could  so  transform  calm  Nature's  mood? 

What  but  Ambition  could  such  wonder  work. 
And  drown  the  piteous  cry  of  kin? 

Like  some  demon  may  that  fierce  passion  lurk, 
Till  it  spring  forth,  its  prey  to  win. 

Woe  to  the  royal  seed  of  Judah's  race, 

She  spares  not  either  sex  or  age. 
Her  sword  is  sharp  and  swift,  but  dark  her  face — 

One  child  alone  escapes  her  rage. 

24 


ATHALIAH 


Woe  to  the  Queen  who  mounts  the  blood-stained 
throne, 

Who  sceptre  holds  of  fear  and  hate, 
Few  are  the  years  that  she  can  call  her  own. 
Ere  she  lies  dead — outside  the  gate. 


as 


THE     OLD     TEMPLE     AND     THE  NEW 


So  that  the  people  could  not  discern  the  noise  of  the 
shout  of  joy  from  the  noise  of  the  weeping  of  the  people,  for 
the  people  shouted  with  a  loud  shout  and  the  noise  was  heard 
afar  off. — Ezra,  iii:i3. 

How  weep  they  and  lament,  those  ancient  ones, 
Gray-bearded  priests  of  former  days? 

The  cheering  shouts  that  hail  those  temple  stones 
Awake  their  groans  instead  of  praise. 

"How  mean,''  they  cried,  "these  new  foundations  are, 
You  have  not  known  the  old,  as  we, 

The  glorious  temple  that  once  stood  there. 
We  never,  never  more  shall  see." 

So  wails  of  sorrow  drowned  the  voice  of  joy, 

As  the  new  temple  rose  to  view; 
And  they  who  in  the  old  had  found  employ 

Could  see  no  beauty  in  the  new. 

Yet  tears  of  grief  that  from  the  aged  flow. 

In  loving  tribute  to  the  past; 
And  joy  of  heart  that  only  youth  can  know. 

Shall  join  in  songs  of  praise  at  last. 

26 


THE     RE-BUILDING     OF     THE  TEMPLE 


They  which  builded  on  the  wall,  and  they  that  bare 
burdens,  with  those  that  laded,  every  one,  with  one  of  his 
hands  wrought  in  the  work,  and  with  the  other  hand  held  a 
weapon. — Nehemiah  iv:i7. 

Whoso  would  work  for  God  must  give  his  best; 

With  mind  alert,  and  clear,  keen  sight. 
One  hand  upon  the  sword  or  spear  must  rest, 

While  yet  he  toils  prepared  for  fight. 

Slowly  the  new  walls  rise  on  every  side; 

The  gates  lift  up  their  heads  again. 
The  "Everlasting  Doors"  are  opened  wide, 

The  Lord  of  Hosts  has  come  to  reign. 

They  who  toiled  those  weary  nights  and  days, 

And  saw  the  glory  of  it  shine. 
Long  since  have  gone  their  lonely,  silent  ways, 

But  left  their  record  for  all  time. 

Ye  who  strive  to  build  God's  temple  grand. 
Whose  gates  and  walls  are  of  the  heart, 

Behold  what  heavenly  hosts  around  you  stand, 
To  watch  the  work  they  shared  in  part. 

27 


QUEEN 


ESTHER'S 


REQUEST 


Then  said  the  King  unto  her:  What  wilt  thou,  Queen 
Esther?  And  what  is  thy  request?  It  shall  be  even  given  thee 
to  the  half  of  the  Kingdom. — Esther,  v  13. 

Why  stands  she  there?    What  seeks  this  fair  young 
Queen? 

What  high  ambitions  sway  her  mind? 
Her  wealth  is  greater  than  her  wildest  dream. 
What  more  of  grandeur  can  she  find? 

A  thousand  lives  are  trembling  in  the  scale ; 

The  fate  of  kindred,  faith,  and  race. 
And  well  she  knows  that  if  her  mission  fails. 

Another  Queen  will  fill  her  place. 

The  words  that  from  her  lips  so  gently  flow, 

No  secret  hopes  or  fears  betray; 
And  Haman  laughs  to  see  his  greatness  grow, 

And  gallows  build  for  Mordecai. 

But  who  can  fathom  noble  woman's  ways. 

With  life  or  death  before  her  laid? 
The  feast  is  o'er.    Haman  has  had  his  day, 

And  seeks  the  gallows  he  had  made. 

28 


THE       SECRET  VISION 


I  have  heard  of  thee  by  the  hearing  of  the  ear,  but  now 
mine  eye  seeth  thee.  Wherefor  I  abhor  myself  and  repent  in 
dust  and  ashes. — Job  xlii  15,  6. 

What  mysterious  depths  of  human  fate, 
In  grasp  of  mind,  in  quests  of  heart? 

What  hidden  secrets  of  our  love  or  hate. 

May  stand  revealed  when  clouds  shall  part? 

The  word  that  falls  upon  the  sleeping  ear, 

Shall  no  responsive  note  awake. 
But  when  the  soul  alert  bends  down  to  hear, 

A  whisper  may  our  being  shake. 

We  hear  of  God  and  yet  may  know  Him  not; 

His  works  abound  on  every  side, 
His  wisdom  and  His  goodness  claim  our  thought, 

But  in  our  heart  some  sin  may  hide. 

Then  in  some  quiet  hour,  perhaps  at  night, 

A  sudden  glow  illumes  our  path. 
Dazed  and  bewildered  by  that  august  light, 

We  fain  would  flee  before  its  wrath. 

Straight  from  its  covert  leaps  the  startled  sin, 
While  in  the  dust  we  bow  our  head. 

Abashed,  abhorred  of  self — yet  purged  within — 
New  life  we  find,  the  old  is  dead. 

29 


LORD    GUIDE    ME    WITH    THINE  EYE 


I  will  instruct  thee  and  teach  thee  in  the  way  which  thou 
shalt  go.   I  will  guide  thee  with  mine  eye. — Psalm,  xxxii  :8. 

Through  troubled  paths  my  way  has  led, 

O'er  mountains  bleak  and  high, 
And  oft  my  anxious  steps  have  sped, 

From  threatening  dangers  nigh. 
But  still  with  rod  and  staff  I  tread. 

Lord,  guide  me  with  thine  eye. 

When  clouds  of  doubt  hang  o'er  my  soul, 

And  Faith  stands  muffled  by; 
When  waves  of  sorrow  o'er  me  roll, 

Still,  from  the  depths  I  cry, 
While  blindly  groping  for  the  goal, 

Lord,  guide  me  with  thine  eye. 

When  cherished  plans  deemed  wise  or  great, 

Oft  end  in  sob  and  sigh. 
When  some  rich  blessing  crowns  my  fate, 

I  had  not  deemed  so  nigh. 
May  I  be  taught  to  love  and  wait. 

Lord,  guide  me  with  thine  eye. 

30 


UNDER       HIS  SHADOW 


He  that  dwelleth  in  the  secret  place  of  the  Most  High 
shall  abide  under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty. — Psalm,  xci:i. 


My  soul  would  seek  that  secret  place, 
Where  I  might  in  Him  dwell. 

To  humbly  serve  and  grow  in  grace, 
And  of  his  wonders  tell. 

Under  thy  shadow  I  would  bide, 

O  thou  Almighty  One. 
Thy  greatness  would  my  weakness  hide. 

Thy  love,  my  sins  condone. 


31 


OUR     REFUGE     AND  FORTRESS 


I  will  say  of  the  Lord :  He  is  my  refuge,  and  my  fortress ; 
my  God,  in  Him  will  I  trust. — Psalm,  xci:2. 

Does  the  storm-tossed  mariner  some  haven  seek, 
Ere  the  fierce  tempest  wreck  his  bark? 

Does  the  lone  pilgrim,  from  age  and  labor  weak. 
Hail  friendly  light  to  face  the  dark? 

So  would  my  troubled  soul  its  refuge  see, 
And  find  that  Refuge,  Lord,  in  thee. 

When  foes  within,  without,  are  pressing  sore, 
And  hopeless  seems  the  unequal  fight; 

Shall  not  the  soldier  turn  from  battle-roar. 
To  gain  some  stronghold  near  in  sight? 

So  when  life's  combat  grows  too  hard  for  me, 
Do  thou,  O  Lord,  my  fortress  be. 

Thy  hand  can  save  us  from  the  Fowler's  snare. 
And  from  the  noisome  plague  as  well. 

From  pestilence  that  walks  in  darkness  spare, 
Beneath  thy  shadow  we  may  dwell. 

Ah  then !  ere  yet  the  wreck  that  death  shall  see. 
Be  thou  my  God:  my  trust  in  thee. 

32 


THE 


W  A  Y  -  S  I  D  E 


BROOK 


He  shall  drink  of  the  brook  in  the  way,  therefore  shall 
he  lift  up  the  head. — Psalm,  cx  ry. 

With  drooping  head  and  weary  pace  we  look, 
For  shelter  from  the  dust  and  heat; 

And  stop  to  slake  our  thirst  beside  the  brook, 
Where  flow  the  waters  cool  and  sweet. 

But  forward  still  our  march  must  bravely  be. 

Nor  cast  behind  a  longing  look; 
Though  future  toil  and  hardship  we  may  see, 

We  lift  our  head  beside  the  brook. 

And  ever  in  our  path  through  troubled  life, 
L     Since  first  our  soul  its  promise  took, 
The  turmoil,  din,  and  agony  of  strife, 
Are  all  forgotten  at  the  brook. 

How  sweet  the  wayside,  soul-reviving  brook 

That  stirs  the  pulse  of  life  anew, 
With  waters  flowing  from  the  smitten  rock, 

That  Israel  in  the  desert  knew! 


33 


THE 


WORTH 


OF 


WISDOM 


For  Wisdom  is  better  than  rubies  and  all  the  things  that 
may  be  desired  are  not  to  be  compared  to  it. — Proverbs  viii:ii. 

Hail  Wisdom!    Infinite  and  eternal  thou! 

Breath  of  the  Mighty  Lord  of  All! 
The  morning  star  upon  creation's  brow! 

The  architect  of  great  or  small! 

The  proudest  jewel  in  the  crown  of  kings, 
Yet  dwelling  oft  in  humblest  home, 

The  highest  prize  that  human  culture  brings. 
While  Science  claims  thee  for  its  own. 

No  sordid  wealth  can  purchase  thee  for  greed, 
Nor  victor's  sword  win  thee  as  prize, 

Thy  hand  shapes  worthily  our  present  need, 
Thy  teaching  guides  us  to  the  skies. 

Thy  faintest  whisper  wrecks  the  subtle  scheme, 
That  Folly  weaves  with  cunning  art. 

Thy  smile  lends  courage  to  the  halting  dream, 
Half  hidden  in  some  yearning  heart. 

Prophets  and  bards  delight  to  sing  thy  worth; 

Man's  noblest  deeds  reflect  thy  face 
All  ages  honor  thy  celestial  birth. 

The  crown  and  glory  of  our  race! 


34 


LIGHT 


AND 


DARKNESS 


Truly,  the  Light  is  sweet  and  a  pleasant  thing  it  is  for 
the  eyes  to  behold  the  sun.  But  if  a  man  live  many  years  and 
rejoice  in  them  all,  yet  let  him  remember  the  days  of  darkness 
for  they  shall  be  many.  All  that  cometh  is  vanity. — Ecclesi- 
astes,  xi  17-8. 

How  sweet  and  pleasant  are  the  sun-lit  days, 
When  all  our  paths  are  bathed  with  light? 

How  clear  we  follow  our  appointed  ways, 
Until  there  falls  the  dark,  sad  night? 

The  days  that  darkened  are.   When  none  can  tell 

What  greater  darkness  yet  may  be, 
Since  first  this  veil  of  shadows  on  us  fell, 

But  denser,  deeper  gloom  we  see. 

Will  courage  last  and  scent  of  battle  stay, 
When  darkness  wraps  thee  as  a  shroud? 

When  all  thy  boasted  schemes  have  gone  astray, 
And  years  for  pity  cry  aloud? 

Give  us,  O  God,  the  light  that  never  fades, 
When  sun  and  moon  and  stars  are  not. 

Vainly  we  grope  mid  hosts  of  broken  aids, 
To  find  the  soul's  eternal  lot. 

.35 


LOVE 


Many  waters  cannot  quench  love,  neither  can  the  floods 
drown  it.  If  a  man  would  give  all  the  substance  of  his  house 
for  love,  it  would  utterly  be  contemned. — Song  of  Solomon, 
viii  17. 


O  Love,  the  centuries  are  all  thine  own, 
Thy  coming  and  thy  going  tell; 

The  fruitage  that  the  fleeting  years  have  borne; 
The  battle  and  the  peace  as  well. 

Thy  call  is  not  the  sound  of  trumpet  blast 
Or  drum  that  tells  of  martial  strife. 

A  glance,  a  sigh  unlocks  the  hidden  past, 
A  whisper  calls  the  dead  to  life. 

'Tis  not  the  merchandise  of  sordid  greed. 
The  floods  can  never  quench  its  flame. 

All  of  our  substance  cannot  sate  its  need. 
Nor  kingly  crown,  nor  world-wide  fame. 


36 


THE 


WILDERNESS     MADE  GLAD 


The  wilderness  and  the  solitary  place  shall  be  glad 
for  them,  and  the  desert  shall  rejoice  and  blossom  as  the 
rose. — Isaiah,  xxxv:i. 


The  noble  stream  by  many  fountains  fed, 

That  sought  the  sea  through  Nature's  veins, 

Turned  by  will  of  man  and  through  new  channels  led, 
Now  spreads  its  wealth  o'er  fertile  plains. 

The  lonely  desert  whose  only  yield  was  sand, 
Now  blossoms  with  the  grateful  vine, 

Fair  homes  and  orchards  clothe  the  rescued  land, 
With  fruitful  fields  for  man  and  kine. 

The  wilderness  with  songs  of  praise  resounds, 
And  laugh  of  children  in  their  play ; 

With  hum  of  wheels  the  solitude  abounds ; 
Time  has  revealed  the  Promised  Day. 


37 


THE     SHADOW     OF     THE  ROCK 


And  a  man  shall  be  as  an  hiding-place  from  the  wind,  and 
a  covert  from  the  tempest,  as  rivers  of  water  in  a  dry  place, 
as  the  shadow  of  a  great  rock  in  a  weary  land. — Isaiah,  xxxii  :2. 

The  wintry  winds  are  cold  and  bleak, 

The  night  is  drawing  near; 
Thy  hiding-place;  O  wanderer,  seek 

Some  home  for  rest  and  cheer. 
O  wanderer,  haste  to  find 
Some  hiding-place  from  chilling  wind. 

The  tempest  sounds  its  loud  sea-roar, 

The  waves  are  running  high, 
Thy  frail  bark  steer  to  nearest  shore 

To  some  safe  covert  nigh. 
O  mariner,  to  covert  haste 
From  the  wide  tempest's  dreary  waste. 

On  barren  stretch  of  weary  land. 

Sore  smitten  by  the  dearth; 
O  thirsting  soul,  beyond  the  sand 

Is  green  and  fruitful  earth. 
There  living  fountains  flow, 
By  rivers  sweet  the  palm-trees  grow. 

V38 


THE     SHADOW     OF     THE  ROCK 


The  burnished  sun  sheds  scorching  heat 
On  fields  and  panting  flock; 

O  pilgrim,  turn  and  hie  to  greet 
The  shadow  of  the  rock. 

How  sweet  the  grateful  shade 

By  its  calm,  quiet  grandeur  made! 

O  troubled  soul!  how  slow  to  learn 

Thy  refuge  for  all  ills. 
The  winds  may  chill,  the  sun  may  burn, 

But  peace  the  spirit  fills: 
The  peace  that  knows  no  fear 
Since  Christ,  the  Man,  is  always  near. 


39 


THE  SWELLING  OF  THE  JORDAN 


If  thou  hast  run  with  the  footmen  and  they  have  wearied 
thee,  then  how  canst  thou  contend  with  horses,  and  if  in  the 
land  of  peace  wherein  thou  trustedest  they  wearied  thee,  then 
how  wilt  thou  do  in  the  swelling  of  Jordan. — ^Jeremiah,  xii  :5. 


If  in  the  peaceful  flow  of  common  life 
We  fritter  hopes  and  faithless  grow, 

How  shall  we  meet  the  deeper,  sterner  strife, 
When  heart  and  soul  to  combat  go? 

The  bugle  call  is  heard  at  early  morn. 
And  golden  days  are  all  thine  own. 

When  all  is  o'er,  and  broken  ranks  reform, 
What  has  the  final  record  shown? 

If  in  the  battle  stress  thy  heart  should  cower, 
And  horse  and  footman  trample  thee. 

What  shall  save  thee  in  that  fearful  hour, 
When  Jordan's  waves  shall  swollen  be? 


40 


THE      VOICE      OF      THE  SOUL 


The  Lord  is  my  portion  saith  my  soul,  therefore  will  I 
hope  in  Him. — Lamentations,  iii:24. 

O  Soul  of  mine  canst  thou  with  honor  say 

The  Lord  thy  only  portion  is, 
And  He  alone  shall  be  thy  staff  and  stay, 

His  service  be  thy  highest  bliss? 

Who  else  can  all  thy  deepest  longings  still. 
And  give  thy  noblest  thoughts  full  flow? 

How  else  can  life  its  highest  mission  fill, 
O  Soul  of  mine — dost  thou  not  know? 

Who  else  for  bleeding  wounds  can  healing  bring. 

And  send  thee  succor  from  above; 
Teach  thy  sad  heart  its  sweetest  notes  to  sing? 

O  Soul  of  mine,  dost  thou  not  love? 

Who  else  can  shield  thee  in  that  blinding  hour, 
When  for  safe  refuge  thou  shalt  grope; 

Hide  thee  beneath  his  wings  from  evil  power? 
O  Soul  of  mine,  canst  thou  not  hope? 

41 


THE     VALLEY     OF     DRY  BONES 


And  he  said  unto  me:  Son  of  Man  can  these  bones  Hve? 
And  I  answered,  O  Lord  God  thou  knowest. — Ezekiel, 
xxxvii  13. 

Lo,  in  that  mystic  valley,  stark  and  cold, 
In  ghastly  whiteness  lie  the  bones. 

A  nation  dead.    No  flesh  those  members  hold. 
No  voice  for  speech,  no  heart  for  moans. 

Stagnant,  silent  all!   Sounds  that  ear  had  known, 
Grown  dumb  and  still — a  vanished  dream! 

The  restless  toils,  the  loves  and  hates  have  flown, 
They  slumber  there — a  pallid  gleam. 

Shall  Death  forever  rule  those  bleached  bones? 

May  not  far  spirits  seek  their  own? 
Can  heaven  or  earth  recall  those  scattered  ones, 

And  reason  claim  again  her  throne? 

Blow  ye  living  winds!   From  four  quarters  blow! 

The  Lord  of  Life  has  come  to  reign. 
He  bids  those  bones  new  flesh  and  sinews  know, 

And  from  grim  death  new  service  claim. 

The  prophet's  cry  stirs  that  dark  valley  through. 

Bone  comes  to  bone — skin  covers  flesh. 
A  mighty  host  rides  forth  with  banners  new, 

With  sword  of  spirit  armed  afresh. 

42 


DANIEL       AND       THE  LIONS 


Then  the  King  commanded  and  they  brought  Daniel  and 
cast  him  into  the  den  9f  Hons.  Now  the  King  spake  and  said 
unto  Daniel:  Thy  God  whom  thou  servest  continually  he  will 
deliver  thee. — Daniel  vi:i6. 

The  crafty  satraps  sought  with  subtle  skill, 
To  weave  the  web  of  Daniel's  fate. 

Should  a  captive  Jew  govern  them  at  will? 
How  envy  thus  provoked  their  hate! 

Will  Daniel  give  his  soul  to  keep  his  power, 

And  barter  honor  for  his  place? 
Can  he  stand  alone  in  that  dismal  hour. 

When  lions  meet  him  face  to  face? 

His  chamber  windows  open  to  the  West, 

The  Temple  of  his  Lord  is  there, 
Can  doubt  or  fear  find  lodgment  in  his  breast? 

Three  times  each  day  he  kneels  in  prayer. 

A  thousand  idols  in  Babylon  the  Proud, 

And  boundless  vice  would  lure  his  path, 

He  calmly  turns  away  from  Pleasure's  crowd 
To  meet  the  lions  in  their  wrath. 

43 


DANIEL      AND      THE  LIONS 


Why  gaze  those  lions  on  him  in  their  den, 
As  if  some  power  controlled  their  will? 

Can  wild  beasts  be  more  merciful  than  men, 
Lions  of  Babylon^ — yet  still! 

Calmly  the  Prophet  stays  there  through  the  night ; 

They  harm  him  not.   When  morning  grew, 
The  King  beholds  him  with  enraptured  sight 

And  praised  the  God  that  Daniel  knew. 

O  noblest  type  of  manhood,  in  that  age ! 

The  peer  of  kings,  how  wise  or  great! 
How  bright  his  record  on  historic  page! 

What  glorious  lessons  on  him  wait! 


44 


THE   LATTER   AND    THE   FORMER  RAIN 


Then  shall  we  know,  if  we  follow  on  to  know  the  Lord. 
His  going  forth  is  prepared  as  the  morning ;  and  he  shall  come 
unto  us  as  the  rain,  as  the  latter  and  former  rain  unto  the 
earth. — Hosea,  vi  :3. 


Then  shall  we  know— if  we  but  faithful  be, 

And  follow  on,  as  we  are  bid. 
His  Love  Supreme,  and  of  His  greatness  see, 

The  Lord,  our  God,  no  longer  hid. 

His  going  forth,  prepared  as  morning  clear. 
With  glory  floods  the  earth  and  sky. 

He  speaks  and  all  the  worlds  his  message  hear, 
He  only  is,  the  Lord  Most  High. 

The  rain  upon  the  parched  earth  descends, 
And  brings  the  fields  to  life  again. 

So  to  the  thirsting  souls  his  mercy  sends 
The  latter  and  the  former  rain. 


45 


THE  FIG  TREE  AND  THE  VINE  REVIVE 


Be  not  afraid  ye  beasts  of  the  field,  for  the  pastures  of 
the  wilderness  do  spring,  for  the  tree  beareth  her  fruit,  the 
fig-tree  and  the  vine  do  yield  their  strength. — ^Joel,  ii:22. 


How  dark  the  picture  that  the  prophet  draws. 
Of  the  chosen  people,  torn  and  rent, 

Their  pleasant  homes  laid  waste  by  cruel  wars. 
The  heathen  on  their  ruin  bent. 

And  then,  as  broken  clouds  reveal  the  light, 
Hope  from  despair  exulting  springs. 

Zion  shines  once  more  in  radiance  bright, 
With  songs  of  praise  the  temple  rings. 

Fresh  verdure  clothes  the  lately-stricken  field, 
As  living  streams  from  mountains  flow, 

The  fig  tree  and  the  vine  their  richness  yield, 
The  herds,  once  more,  their  pastures  know. 


46 


THE     FAMINE     OF     THE  WORD 


Behold  the  days  come,  saith  the  Lord  God,  that  I  will 
send  a  famine  in  the  land,  not  a  famine  of  bread,  nor  a  thirst 
for  water,  but  of  hearing  the  words  of  the  Lord. — Amos, 
viiiiii. 

What  else  could  slake  the  hunger  of  the  soul, 
If  the  fountain-head  of  truth  should  dry, 

And  all  the  crystal  streams  that  from  it  flow, 
Should  in  their  turn  grow  weak  and  die? 

If  from  the  world  was  drawn  the  living  word, 
With  all  the  wealth  of  faith  it  yields; 

If  never  more  the  prophet's  voice  be  heard, 
What  shall  remain  of  wisdom's  yields? 

Can  science  tell  us  aught  of  spirit  birth, 

Or  give  to  mind  its  highest  flight? 
Through  four  centuries  of  religious  dearth. 

What  saved  the  word  from  darkest  night? 

How  longed  they  then  for  the  great  truths  unseen. 

That  Socrates  and  Plato  sought? 
Could  dumb  idols  with  all  their  gold  and  sheen. 

Stand  for  the  God  that  Moses  taught? 

But  deem  not  that  the  Lord  his  people  cast. 

To  wander  vainly  for  the  right; 
Behold  the  Christ  of  Nazareth  at  last. 

The  stars  of  heaven  are  shining  bright. 

47 


THE  FALL 


O  F 


E  D  O  M 


Though  thou  exalt  thyself  as  the  eagle,  and  though  thou 
set  thy  nest  among  the  stars  thence  will  I  bring  thee  down, 
saith  the  Lord. — Qbadiah,  i:4. 

Proud  Edom,  seat  of  Esau's  haughty  race, 

Built  as  a  mighty  nation's  throne, 
From  its  tall  towers  turned  a  scowling  face 

On  ancient  foes  to  greatness  grown, 
And  swift  its  heralds  on  stern  mission  sent. 

To  bid  the  heathen  nations  band. 
And  drive  hated  Judah's  tribes,  torn  and  rent. 

From  their  new  home  in  Canaan  land. 

But  vainly  that  great  host  in  arms  conspired 

To  thwart  the  plan  of  God's  own  way. 
Those  chiselled  rocks  whose  arts  and  wealth  inspired 

The  glory  of  old  Egypt's  day. 
Have  silent  stood  through  centuries  of  night, 

For  Esau's  race  has  long  been  dead. 
Their  towers  and  tombs  slowly  fade  from  sight, 

Mid  desert  sands,  whence  life  has  fled. 


48 


JONAH       AND        THE  WHALE 

Now  the  Lord  had  prepared  a  great  fish  to  swallow  up 
Jonah,  and  Jonah  was  in  the  belly  of  the  fish  three  days  and 
three  nights. — ^Jonah,  iiij. 


How  Strange  the  story  of  this  prophet  told, 
His  faith  and  yet  his  weakness,  too ! 

He  fled  from  duty  and  yet  was  very  bold, 
To  tell  the  Lord  what  He  should  do. 

Three  days  and  nights  in  living  tomb  he  spent, 
As  none  before  or  since  e'er  did; 

And  came  at  last  with  pride  of  spirit  bent. 
To  humbly  do  as  he  was  bid. 

We  would  read  it  all  with  reverent  thought,, 

As  lesson  from  an  early  day. 
Through  all  the  centuries  in  wisdom  taught; 

Nor  fear  what  "Higher  Critics''  say. 


'4^ 


WHAT    GOD    REQUIRES     OF  US 


He  hath  showed  thee,  O  Man,  what  is  good,  and  what 
doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to  do  justly,  and  to  love 
mercy,  and  to  walk  humbly  with  thy  God. — Micah,  vi  :8. 


What  wondrous  words  of  grace  and  beauty  fell 
From  prophet's  lips,  so  long  ago  ! 

What  majesty  and  power  behind  them  dwell! 
How  plain  the  path  of  right  they  show! 

Their  solemn  grandeur  points  to  nobler  life, 
And  stirs  the  soul  with  what  should  be. 

While  all  the  causes  that  engender  strife, 
Are  buried  in  a  silent  sea. 

No  more  the  heathen  idols  hold  their  sway. 
The  blood  of  beasts  is  shed  in  vain. 

Mankind  is  shown  a  simpler,  purer  way. 
The  calm  of  happiness  to  gain. 


THE 


FALL 


O  F 


NINEVEH 


Art  thou  better  than  populous  No,  that  was  situate  among 
the  rivers,  that  had  the  waters  round  about  it,  whose  rampart 
was  the  sea  and  her  wall  was  from  the  sea? — Nahum,  iii:8. 


As  fell  the  mighty  Thebes,  a  world-wide  dream, 

Of  beauty,  arts,  and  royal  sway, 
Queen  of  fruitful  lands,  fed  by  golden  stream, 

The  pride  of  Egypt's  glorious  day, — 

So  Nineveh,  ruler  of  realms,  shall  fall. 

Her  blood-stained  wealth,  another's  spoil. 

Her  armies  crushed  'neath  broken  tower  and  wall, 
Her  nobles  sold  as  slaves  of  toil. 

In  vain  they  call  on  earth  and  sea  for  aid. 
The  plans  of  God  resistless  flow, 

Their  palaces,  and  tombs  with  treasures  lade. 
Were  buried  deep,  long  years  ago. 


51 


THE    LORD    IS    IN    HIS    HOLY  TEMPLE 


But  the  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple,  let  all  the  Earth  keep 
silence  before  him. — Habakkuk,  ii:20. 

The  Lord  has  to  his  holy  temple  come, 

Let  all  the  Earth  in  silence  stay: 
Our  Prophet,  Priest  and  King;  the  only  One, 

In  peace  and  righteousness  his  sway. 

The  waiting  land  and  sea  obey  his  will, 
No  sounds  of  stirring  vex  the  air; 

The  bounding  waves  and  moaning  winds  are  still. 
Sweet  calm  of  rest  is  everywhere. 

No  more  the  angry  clash  of  armed  foes, 

The  thunder  of  the  battle  plains; 
No  loud,  discordant  laugh  of  vapid  shows, 

No  clamor  of  the  idle  games. 

The  noisy  traffic  of  the  marts  of  trade; 

The  clanging  of  the  jarring  bell, 
All  life's  fretting  notes  to  soft  silence  fade, 

The  sobbing  and  the  groans  as  well. 

How  clear  the  skies !   How  sweet  the  tranquil  peace ! 

When  He  whose  right  it  is  to  reign. 
Shall  to  his  earth  redeemed  come,  to  cease 

The  tumult  of  the  toil  and  pain. 

'5^ 


IN     THE     DAY     OF    HIS  WRATH 


Seek  ye  the  Lord  all  ye  meek  of  the  Earth  which  have 
wrought  his  judgment,  seek  righteousness,  seek  meekness,  it 
may  be  ye  shall  be  hid  in  the  day  of  the  Lord's  anger. — 
Zephaniah,  ii:3. 

All  ye  who  love  the  Lord  His  presence  seek, — 
The  prophet's  voice  through  ages  rings, — 

And  he  who  comes  with  humble  heart  and  meek 
Shall  shelter  find  beneath  His  wings. 

Ye  who  with  loving  faith  His  judgments  wrought 

Nor  shunned  the  trial  or  the  pain, 
Who  here  on  earth  His  righteousness  hath  sought, 

Behold  at  last  the  promised  gain. 

Seek  ye  the  Lord  while  yet  He  may  be  near ; 

Come  not  in  pride  of  wealth  or  art, 
But  with  lowly  mind  and  reverent  fear; 

The  tribute  of  a  grateful  heart. 

It  may  be  He  will  reach  His  saving  hand, 
And  in  some  cleft  of  rock  hide  thee. 

When  his  fierce  wrath  shall  come  upon  the  land, 
And  from  his  vengeance  none  may  flee. 

53 


THE 


WORLD'S 


DESIRE 


And  I  will  shake  all  nations — and  the  Desire  of  all  na- 
tions shall  come  and  I  will  fill  this  House  with  glory,  saith  the 
Lord  of  Hosts. — Haggai,  iiij. 

With  clear,  enraptured  gaze  the  prophet  saw 

The  coming  of  that  glorious  day, 
When  from  the  temple  should  go  forth  the  law, 

And  God's  own  son  the  nations  sway. 

He  lifts  the  curtain  dark  with  human  blood, 

The  blood  of  nations  in  their  ire, 
And  saw  revealed  the  bright,  effulgent  flood, 

When  Christ  should  come — the  World's  Desire. 

The  Vision  tarried  long.    Dawn  seemed  far  away. 
There  was  no  light  on  Zion's  hills: 

Her  sons  and  daughters  bowed  to  Roman  sway, 
And  David's  throne,  a  Herod  fills. 

Then,  when  He  came,  how  scant  the  homage  paid 

A  lowly  manger  in  an  inn! 
But  the  stars  of  heaven  obeisance  paid,, 
While  Angels  sang  his  natal  hymn. 

54 


THE  LATTER  RAIN 


Ask  ye  of  the  Lord  rain  in  the  time  of  the  latter  rain,  so 
the  Lord  shall  make  bright  clouds  and  give  them  showers  of 
rain,  to  every  one  grass  in  the  field. — Zachariah,  x:i. 

The  thirsting  kine  upon  the  scorched  plain 
Have  thin  and  feeble  grown  for  lack  of  rain, 
The  brooks  are  dry,  the  streams  no  longer  flow, 
The  withered  grass  and  grain  have  ceased  to  grow. 

Then  in  fear  the  people  pray, 

Humbly  beg  the  Lord  to  stay 

Dreaded  famine  from  the  land, 

And  the  burning,  blinding  sand. 
The  Lord  in  mercy  sends  the  latter  rain. 
And  man  and  beast  and  bird  rejoice  again. 

So  when  souls  are  hungering  for  their  bread, 
The  bread  of  righteousness  that  prophets  fed. 
When  Faith  has  sickly  grown  on  sterile  fear. 
And  famine  of  the  Word  seems  drawing  near; 

Then  the  holy  seek  the  Lord, 

Plead  the  promise  of  His  Word, 

Then  the  bright  clouds  gather  fast, 

And  the  rain  comes  down  at  last. 
Blessed  showers  that  make  the  temple  glad. 
And  Zion's  hills  are  with  fresh  verdure  clad. 


55 


AT  EVENING  TIME  IT  SHALL  BE  LIGHT 


But  it  shall  be  one  day  which  shall  be  known  to  the 
Lord,  not  day,  nor  night,  but  it  shall  come  to  pass  that  at 
evening  time  it  shall  be  light. — Zechariah,  xiviy. 


The  day  shall  come  at  last,  day  of  the  Lord, 
By  seer  of  old  and  prophet  told. 

When  heaven  shall  glow  with  flame  of  sword, 
And  all  the  world  its  brightness  hold: 
When  He  whose  right  it  is,  shall  reign. 
And  peace  and  righteousness  proclaim, 

The  day  that  nevermore  shall  fade  to  night, 

At  evening  time  it  shall  be  light. 

Heaven  and  earth  on  that  great  day  are  one. 

That  the  Patriarch  saw  in  dream, 
In  his  lone  vigil,  pillowed  on  a  stone, 

Is  open  now.   In  living  stream. 

The  sons  of  God  come  down  to  earth. 

And  sing  as  at  creation's  birth; 
All  clouds  that  hid  have  rolled  away  from  sight, 
At  evening  time  it  shall  be  light. 

56 


AT  EVENING  TIME  IT  SHALL  BE  LIGHT 


That  day  the  nations  shall  learn  war  no  more, 

Their  swords  to  plough-shares  beat,  and  spears 
To  pruning  hooks.   Armies  shall  not  vex  the  shore, 

Nor  navies  crowd  the  sea  with  fears. 

The  rich  and  poor  shall  equal  be, 

The  young  and  old  in  joys  agree. 
No  crime  or  wrong  can  hide  itself  in  night. 
At  evening  time  it  shall  be  light. 

Truth  to  high  realms  shall  soar  on  fearless  wings, 
Fair  Science  comes  with  learning's  gifts. 

And  treasures,  rescued  from  long  ages,  brings. 
Wisdom's  self  a  bright  face  uplifts, 
And  drives  away  the  fabled  dreams, 
And  myths  of  mountains,  groves  and  streams, 

The  gods  and  goddesses  that  ruled  the  night, 

Ere  yet  at  evening  time  was  light. 

The  hunger  of  the  soul  in  quest  of  good, 

Its  yearning  thirst  for  sacred  lore, 
Have  full  fruition  found  in  the  splendor  flood, 

That  stirs  all  life  from  heaven's  full  store. 

57 


AT  EVENING  TIME  IT  SHALL  BE  LIGHT 


Mists  of  doubt  melt  like  morning  dew, 
Reason  has  filled  its  mission  true. 

And  Faith  is  lost  in  ecstacy  of  sight, 

At  evening  time  it  shall  be  light. 

One  law,  supreme,  divine,  shall  rule  the  world, 
From  mountain  tops  its  mandates  heard. 

Dagon  and  Mammon  from  their  temples  hurled, 
Shall  burn  before  the  wrathful  word. 
The  martyrs  and  evangels  all. 
And  they  who  heard  the  sacred  call. 

With  crowns  of  gold  and  clad  in  raiment  white, 

Shall  hail,  at  evening  time,  the  light. 

Lo !  on  that  day  there  is  no  day  but  one. 

The  day  that  is  not  day  and  night; 
Nor  sun,  or  moon,  or  stars,  but  day  alone. 

When  all  the  past  shall  stand  in  sight ; 

No  vesper  bell  at  eve  shall  ring. 

But  choirs  of  holy  angels  sing. 
The  Lord  of  Hosts  has  come  to  reign  in  might, 
At  evening  time  it  shall  be  light. 

58 


THE    MESSENGER    OF    THE  COVENANT 


Behold,  I  will  send  my  messenger  and  he  shall  prepare 
the  way  before  me  and  the  Lord  whom  ye  seek  shall  suddenly 
come  to  his  temple  even  the  Messenger  of  the  Covenant  whom 
ye  delight  in,  behold  he  shall  come,  saith  the  Lord  of  Hosts. — 
Malachi,  iii:i. 


The  Lord  of  Hosts  will  come  to  reign.   He  sends 

His  messenger  before  his  face, 
The  sceptre  of  his  mercy  he  extends, 

To  all  who  kneel  and  plead  his  grace. 

In  majesty  and  glory  he  shall  reign. 
And  fill  the  temple  with  his  light; 

And  they  shall  gather  there  with  loud  acclaim. 
Who  in  his  service  take  delight. 

The  God  of  Israel  will  his  people  keep. 

His  Covenant  forever  stands; 
Though  his  purpose  may  for  centuries  sleep, 

The  times  and  seasons  He  commands. 


59 


THE      WAY      OF  JESUS 


Those  who  seek  the  way  of  Jesus,  as  he  walked  in 
human  sight, 

See  his  footprints  in  the  morning,  hear  him  passing 
in  the  night. 

Those  who  trace  each  wandering  step  with  the  hun- 
gry eye  of  love. 

Fill  their  souls  with  richest  treasure,  feed  on  Manna 
from  above. 

Through  the  fields  they  hear  him  talking,  where  the 
lilies  brightly  glow. 

Where  ripe  the  grain  for  harvest  waves,  and  the  reap- 
ers laughing  go. 

He  speaks  of  birds,  fowls  of  the  air,  such  as  neither 

sow  nor  reap. 
And  beasts  that  need  the  Father's  care,  as  the  cattle 

and  the  sheep. 

He  took  young  children  in  his  arms,  blessed  them 

with  his  tender  touch. 
Taught  through  them  the  wondrous  lesson,  that 

heaven's  kingdom  was  of  such. 

He  went  to  marriage  feast  of  gladness,  turned  the 

water  into  wine; 
He  saved  poor  human  souls  from  madness,  drove  the 

demons  to  the  swine. 

63 


THE      WAY       OF  JESUS 


He  often  walked  by  that  fair  lake,  where  such  gra- 
cious things  were  told, 

On  sun-lit  shore  of  placid  sea,  silver  cup  of  liquid 
gold. 

When  those  bright  waves  erst  calm  and  still, — waters 

blue  of  Galilee, — 
Rose  in  their  wild  and  stormy  might,  he  could  bid 

them  peaceful  be. 

Those  who  had  toiled  all  night  in  vain,  see  him  in  the 
early  morn. 

Hear  how  he  bids  them  try  again,  find  their  nets  from 
fulness  torn. 

'Tis  always  so  through  human  lot,  those  who  seek 

him  need  not  fear. 
His  loving  kindness  changes  not,  and  his  mercies 

ever  near. 

Those  who  labor,  heavy  laden,  hear  him  calling, 

"Come  to  me" : 
"Take  my  yoke,  for  it  is  easy;  I  will  bear  its  weight 

for  thee." 

Those  who  sit  in  darkened  chambers,  with  Death's 

shadow  on  the  door. 
Hear  him  calling  from  the  valley,  "Take  my  rod  and 

staff  in  store." 

64 


THE       WAY       OF  JESUS 


Is  grief  too  heavy  for  thy  tears?    See  the  drops  of 

blood  he  shed. 
Are  cares  too  pressing  for  thy  years?    Listen  to  the 

words  he  said. 

Ye  who  love  the  way  of  Jesus,  blessed  way  of  peace 
and  grace, 

Hear  him  speaking  to  all  classes,  talking  with  them 
face  to  face. 

Ye  who  love  the  words  of  Jesus,  words  he  spake  for 
common  ear. 

Shall  come  to  love  him  more  and  more,  find  his  ser- 
vice ever  dear. 

Those  who  walk  the  way  he  trod,  bearing  toil  and 
pain  for  him. 

He  will  give  them  strength  and  courage,  and  a  bliss- 
ful crown  to  win. 

All  the  nation's  yet  shall  praise  him,  hail  him  King 

from  shore  to  shore, 
While  the  ransomed  hosts  of  heaven  give  him  glory 

and  adore. 


65 


THE  BLESSING  OF  THE  POOR  IN  SPIRIT 


Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit  for  theirs  is  the  Kingdom 
of  Heaven. — Matthew,  v:3. 

The  Voice  that  tarried  long  had  come  at  last, 
From  mountain  side  the  Master  spake. 

His  simple  words  light  up  Earth's  gloomy  past, 
And  from  the  sleep  of  ages  wake. 

The  humble  men  of  that  hard,  iron  age, 

Who  grovelled  in  the  dust  of  toil; 
The  meek-souled  men  who  strove  for  barren  wage. 

With  life  so  oft  the  prey  of  Spoil; 

The  Poor  in  Spirit  who  scant  mercy  knew. 

Oft  crushed  beneath  might's  laden  wheels; 

He  blesses  them!   How  wide  that  blessing  grew! 
It  lifts  the  weak,  their  wounding  heals. 

As  breaks  the  dawn  through  mists  and  clouds  of 
night. 

So  from  that  Mount  his  blessing  shone, 
Wide  o'er  the  valleys  spreads  the  gospel  light. 
Until  the  reign  of  Peace  shall  come. 


THE    HOUSE    UPON     THE  SAND 


And  the  rain  descended,  and  the  floods  came  and  the 
winds  blew  and  beat  upon  that  house;  and  it  fell  and  great 
was  the  fall  of  it. — Matthew,  viiiay. 

I  built  my  house  upon  the  sand, 

Hard  by  the  restless  sea, 
I  knew  the  waves  might  reach  the  land, 

And  ruin  bring  to  me. 

Yet  still  I  built  with  cheerful  song, 

And  made  the  structure  fair, 
With  beam  and  joint  and  rafter  strong, 

To  hold  my  riches  there. 

Within  its  halls  and  chambers  grand. 

Were  treasures  of  my  heart, 
Rare  paintings  brought  from  foreign  land, 

Old  books,  choice  works  of  art. 

I  built  it  for  myself  alone. 

Nor  cared  what  others  said, 
The  light  that  through  its  windows  shone, 

Was  light  as  from  the  dead. 

67 


THE    HOUSE    UPON     THE  SAND 


There  was  no  love  that  stifles  thought, 
No  hopes  that  breed  dull  fear, 

My  joy  was  in  the  things  I  wrought, 
My  faith  in  what  was  near. 

The  poor  went  hungry  from  my  gate, 

No  priest  could  enter  in, 
I  cared  not  for  my  neighbor's  fate. 

Why  should  I  pity  him? 

So  days  and  years  slipped  noiseless  by, 
My  treasures  seemed  secure; 

With  bars  and  bolts  and  locks  to  pry, 
What  else  could  make  them  sure? 

I  thought  with  them  to  spend  my  day, 
And  still  the  thirst  of  soul. 

Content  in  time  to  pass  away. 
With  silence  for  my  goal. 

But  on  one  dark  and  fearsome  night 
The  Storm- King  rose  in  wrath. 

He  smote  the  land  and  sea  with  might, 
And  ruin  marked  his  path. 

68 


THE    HOUSE    UPON     THE  SAND 


'Twas  then  my  house  came  tumbling  down, 
From  wave  and  wind  and  rain, 

And  all  my  garnered  wealth  was  flown. 
My  toil  for  them  was  vain. 

On  that  dreary,  desolate  shore, 
Amid  the  wreckage  thrown, 

I  heard  the  Voice  that  evermore 
Should  hold  me  as  its  own. 

I  built  upon  the  Rock  at  last, 

Love  was  its  cornerstone. 
What  fear  I  now  of  tempest  blast, 

Or  wild  sea's  angry  moan? 


69 


PETER'S     DENIAL     OF  CHRIST 


Peter  followed  afar  off. — Matthew,  xxvi:58. 

Shall  we  who  love  the  Lord,  his  cause  forsake, 

And  follow  him  so  far  behind? 
Can  all  his  foes  our  vaunted  courage  shake, 

And  sway  us  to  a  halting  mind? 

Shall  not  our  love  all  wavering  doubts  subdue, 

And  bring  us  boldly  to  his  side, 
Resolved  to  bear  with  him  the  shame  he  knew. 

And  all  we  have  to  him  confide? 

His  life  is  ours,  nor  should  we  be  dismayed, 

Or  basely  shrink  our  faith  to  own. 
Though  powers  of  earth  and  hell  should  stand 
arrayed 

Against  the  surety  of  his  throne. 

He  followed  Christ  behind — we  scarce  know  why; 

Had  he  dim  hopes?    Or  craven  fears? 
Or,  God  would  send  his  legions  from  the  sky? 

But,  ah!  those  wretched,  scalding  tears! 

70 


THE      OTHER      LITTLE  SHIPS 


And  there  were  also  with  him  other  little 
ships. — Mark,  iv:36. 

The  Storm-King  released  from  the  mountains  nigh, 

Has  filled  the  lake  with  surging  wave, 
Where  through  the  night  the  toiling  rowers  try 
Their  slowly  sinking  boat  to  save. 
And  other  little  ships  were  near, 

Struggling  in  the  wrathful  sea, 
Battling  for  life  twixt  hope  and  fear, 
On  storm-swept  Galilee. 

At  last  in  failing  strength  and  anxious  mind. 

They  wake  the  Master  from  his  sleep. 
Straightway  he  rebukes  the  boisterous  wind, 
And  breathes  sweet  calm  upon  the  deep, 
And  other  little  ships  were  there. 

Who  watched  the  tempest  flee. 
While  peace  and  safety  they  could  share 
On  blessed  Galilee. 

So  when  souls  shall  struggle  in  darksome  night, 

Beset  by  doubts  and  bleaching  fears. 
When  waves  of  anguish  hide  the  guiding  light. 
And  not  a  star  in  heaven  appears; 
Then  other  little  ships  draw  near. 
Watching  the  dark,  sad  sea, 
To  share  our  grief  and  soothe  onr  fear 
On  gloom-clad  Galilee. 

7? 


THE      OTHER      LITTLE  SHIPS 


Then  if  the  Master's  voice  our  tempest  stills, 
And  chides  our  doubting,  faithless  mien, 
What  glow  of  gladness  all  our  being  fills ! 

How  bright  the  world  renewed  shall  seem! 
Other  little  ships,  far  or  near, 
Rejoice  that  glow  to  see. 
The  light  that  brightens  into  cheer. 
On  golden  Galilee. 

Not  we  alone  the  fearsome  storm  shall  meet, 

That  tries  the  temper  of  our  soul; 
Not  we  alone  the  word  of  promise  greet, 
That  speeds  us  to  our  final  goal. 
For  other  little  ships  there  be. 
That  with  us  sail  the  sea; 
Ships  all  unknown  to  you  or  me. 
On  silent  Galilee. 


7a 


MARTHA         AND  MARY 


And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  her:  Martha,  Martha, 
thou  art  careful  and  troubled  about  many  things. — Luke,  xi^i. 

Why  should  we  worry  over  petty  things 
Until  they  fill  our  every  thought, 
And  give  the  soul  no  rest? 
The  craving  hunger  that  so  constant  asks 
For  something  yet  undone  of  daily  tasks? 
The  greed  of  fretful  quest — 
That  meagre  dole  forever  sought, 
And  yet  when  found,  no  sating  comfort  brings? 

Why  not  like  Mary  choose  the  better  part, 
That  breathes  its  calm  on  troubled  life. 
The  depths  of  silent  sea? 
While  at  the  door  some  holy  guest  may  stand — 
Bearing  heaven's  commission  in  his  hand, 
To  shape  our  destiny. 
Safe  anchorage  beyond  the  strife, 
Where  quiet  peace  shall  fill  the  grateful  heart. 


73 


DRINK    FOR    THIRSTING  SOULS 


In  the  last  day,  that  great  day  of  the  Feast,  Jesus  stood 
and  cried,  saying :  If  any  man  thirst,  let  him  come  unto  me  and 
drink. — ^John,  vii:37. 


Whoso  would  of  that  living  water  take, 
Stay  not,  but  to  the  Fountain  haste ; 

There  from  its  gracious  fulness  freely  slake 
His  thirst,  and  of  its  sweetness  taste. 

The  Holy  One  doth  bid  thee  come  and  drink, 
Hark  to  His  loving  call  to  thee; 

Why  then  delay  upon  the  outer  brink. 
Why  not  to  thy  safe  refuge  flee? 

Who  thirsteth  not?    Who  doth  not  need  to  find 
A  heaUng  spring  for  sin's  dark  stain? 

Who  needeth  not  a  balm  for  weary  mind. 
Or  lasting  peace  of  soul  to  gain? 


74 


THE        SERVICE        OF  LOVE 


After  that  he  poureth  water  into  a  basin  and  began  to 
wash  the  disciples'  feet  and  to  wipe  them  with  the  towel 
wherewith  he  was  girded. — ^John,  xiii  '.5. 

How  sweet  the  lesson  that  the  Saviour  taught 

In  his  divinely  human  way, 
That  pride  of  rank  or  wealth  should  go  for  naught, 

But  Love  alone  should  hold  the  sway. 

He  shows  that  whoso  would  his  message  heed 
May  not  disdain  the  humblest  toil 

That  helps  a  brother  in  the  hour  of  need, 
Or  lifts  the  lowly  from  the  soil. 

He  reaches  out  to  all  the  helping  hands, 
And  blesses  those  who  need  him  most; 

His  servants  speed  their  way  to  distant  lands, 
Nor  fear  the  toil,  nor  shun  the  cost. 

They  nurse  the  sick  and  soothe  the  weary-worn, 

The  fallen  lift;  the  lonely  greet; 
At  home,  abroad,  where  cross  for  love  is  borne, 

They  wash  the  dust  from  earth-stained  feet. 

75 


THE  WAY,   THE  TRUTH  AND  THE  LIFE 


Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  am  the  way,  and  the  truth  and  the 
life,  no  man  cometh  unto  the  Father  but  by  me. — ^John,  xiv:6. 

Where'er  my  feet  are  called  to  tread, 
Through  journey  rough  and  full  of  dread, 

May  I  not  stray, 
From  that  clear  path  of  duty  shown, 
And  in  thy  word  of  sweetness  known. 

Thou  art  the  Way. 

If  from  pure  fountains  I  would  drink, 
That  I  might  wisely  act  and  think, 

In  age  or  youth, 
May  thy  clear  promise  doubts  dispel, 
And  bid  my  soul  in  calmness  dwell, 

Thou  art  the  Truth. 

For  all  that  gladdens  human  lot. 
And  clears  of  every  sinful  blot. 

Or  hateful  strife; 
For  hopes  that  glow  with  brighter  face, 
And  meet  our  wants  with  helpful  grace, 

Thou  art  the  Life. 

What  more  can  soul  of  mortal  need? 
What  deeper  lesson  can  he  read? 

Or  loving  call? 
Since  all  the  swelling  waves  of  time, 
But  echo  back  the  words  sublime, 

Christ,  All  in  All. 

76 


PETER'S    DELIVERANCE    FROM  PRISON 


And  behold  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  came  upon  him,  and 
a  light  shined  in  the  prison  and  he  smote  Peter  on  the  side 
and  raised  him  up  saying.  Arise  up  quickly.  And  his  chains 
fell  off  from  his  hands. — Acts,  xiiiy. 


Peace  reigned  within  those  gloomy  prison  walls. 
Such  peace  as  Power  enthroned  by  Awe  can  give. 
There  Peter,  by  chains  to  soldiers  bound,  sleeps 
The  quiet  sleep  of  those  who  have  no  fear. 
To-morrow  he  must  stand  at  Herod's  bar. 
Prejudged  to  meet  the  fate  of  James,  whose  life 
Was  thrown,  in  lust  of  blood,  to  please  the  Jews. 

The  prison  guards,  weary  from  the  heavy  strain 
Of  the  Hebrew  feast  and  the  crowded  streets. 
Are  resting  now,  assured  that  all  is  well, 
And  deem  the  morrow  for  itself  must  care. 
The  stars  peer  through  the  window's  narrow  slits 
As  if  in  pity's  search  for  chained  ones  there. 
From  the  Judean  hills  a  cooling  wind, 
Sweet  with  odors  of  pine  and  olive  groves. 
Enters  with  measured  throb  as  breath  of  night, 
To  soothe  the  life-blood  of  the  sleepers  there. 

77 


PETER'S    DELIVERANCE    FROM  PRISON 


Then  suddenly,  swift  as  thought  can  fly, 

The  Light  shone  in  that  gloomy  prison  cell, 

Not  Nature's  glow  of  sun,  or  moon,  or  stars. 

But  Light  born  in  some  far  Celestial  sphere. 

Glorious  light !  Heaven-sent  and  supreme  1 

In  its  radiance  wrapt  as  with  a  robe. 

An  Angel  came  and  stood  at  Peter's  side. 

With  quickening  touch  he  bade  him  rise. 

Gird  his  raiment  and  bind  his  sandals  on. 

Noiselessly  the  chains  fell  from  Peter's  hands, 

And  he  arose  and  did  as  he  was  told. 

Nor  questioned  aught,  but  dumbly,  as  one 

Aroused  from  heavy  sleep  to  dazzling  light, 

Deems  that  some  strange  vision  warps  his  dazed  mind. 

Meekly  he  followed  as  the  Angel  led 

Through  gloomy  chambers  and  dim,  winding  halls, 

Past  sentinels  on  guard  who  mutely  gazed, 

Past  prisoners  chained,  who  moved  not  in  their  sleep. 

Heedless  alike  of  guards  or  iron  bars. 

They  swiftly  pass  their  silent,  noiseless  way, 

Nor  echo  breaks  the  stillness  of  the  air. 


78 


PETER'S    DELIVERANCE    FROM  PRISON 


Thus  swiftly  came  they  to  the  prison  gate, 
So  barred  and  locked  as  if  for  life  or  death. 
The  key  is  safely  with  the  warden  lodged. 
But  what  are  iron  bolts  or  massive  keys 
To  stay  God's  Angel  on  His  mission  sent? 
As  if  impelled  by  some  mysterious  power 
That  governs  matter  as  it  governs  mind. 
That  ponderous  gate  with  calm  majestic  ease 
Opened  wide,  mutely  bidding  them  pass  through, 
Then  closed  behind  them,  fastened  as  at  first. 
Before  them  dimly  stretched  the  quiet  street. 
Hushed  with  such  silence  as  precedes  the  dawn. 
Through  it  they  passed,  then  turned  another  way, 
Where  the  Angel  left  him,  and  Peter,  dazed 
By  the  strangeness  of  it  all,  as  'twere  a  dream, 
Until  he  woke  to  find  that  he  was  free. 

Straightway  he  went  to  meet  the  mourning  band, 
Who  had  spent  the  night  in  prayer  for  him. 


79 


FAITH 


For  I  am  persuaded  that  neither  Death,  nor  life,  nor 
Angels,  nor  Principalities  nor  powers  nor  things  present  nor 
things  to  come,  nor  height  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creature 
shall  be  able  to  separate  us  from  the  love  of  God  which  is 
in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. — Romans,  viii  isS-sg. 

Out  of  hidden  depths  it  springs, 

Its  voice  with  triumph  of  the  warrior  rings; 

The  clear,  brave  note  of  glorious  victory  won. 

With  doubts  and  fears  forever  done, 

From  mocking  foes  secure  at  last; 

All  its  questioning  past, 

Faith  soars  on  high  to  brightest  world  serene, 
Above  the  hills  that  hide  the  raptured  scene 
Beyond  the  sea  of  glass  that  shines  as  fire, 
That  quickens  all  the  yearning  soul's  desire; 
Beyond  the  darkness  of  the  night 
To  clear  effulgent  light. 

Out  into  the  brilliance  of  a  conquered  day, 
Where  souls  unfettered  learn  the  perfect  way, 
Where  all  life's  past  is  to  its  present  brought. 
And  all  its  present  with  the  future  wrought, 
Released  from  strife  and  blinding  fears. 

80 


FAITH 


From  remorse's  scalding  tears, 
From  all  alluring  bondage  free, 
O  Blessed  Liberty! 

On  the  solid  rock  it  stands, 

God's  promise  in  its  hands; 

Nor  fears  what  Death  or  Life  or  earthly  thing 

Or  aught  that  height  or  depth  or  power  can  bring, 

Shall  serve  to  loose  its  grasp  on  Truths  above, 

Or  stay  the  fulness  of  God's  Love, 

Nor  fades  away  this  guiding  light 

Till  Faith  is  lost  in  Sight. 


8j 


CHARITY 


And  now  abideth  Faith,  Hope,  Charity,  these  three,  but 
the  greatest  of  these  is  Charity. — i  Corinthians,  xiii:i3. 

Sweet  Charity  that  calls  the  world  to  thee, 

And  bids  the  nations  kindred  be; 

Whose  gentle  reign  upon  a  throne  of  Grace, 

The  wrecks  of  Sin  and  Strife  efface, 

That  they  who  smart  with  pains, 
And  they  who  grope  in  chains, 

May  lift  their  heads  and  light  of  gladness  see. 

Faith  may  weary  grow ;  falter  on  the  way. 

And  Hope  to  other  fields  may  stray. 

But  Love  shall  faithful  prove  through  every  mood, 

And  feed  some  hungry  soul  with  food. 

She  softly  checks  the  strong. 

And  bravely  chides  the  wrong. 
And  throws  o'er  darkest  night  some  cheering  ray. 

Love  falters  not  because  of  time  or  place. 
But  ever  wears  a  cheerful  face. 
She  deftly  turns  aside  the  poisoned  dart, 
In  malice  sent  by  wicked  heart; 

Soothes  the  troubled  mind  to  peace ; 

Bids  war  and  envy  cease. 
And  breathes  a  blessing  on  the  human  race. 

82 


WALKING       BY  FAITH 


For  we  walk  by  Faith,  not  by  sight. — 2  Corinthians,  viy. 

How  know  we  this  elusive  life  of  ours, 

That  comes  and  goes,  somewhere,  somehow? 

What  links  these  swiftly  flitting,  fitful  hours? 
What  but  a  brief,  quivering  Now? 

Before  us  may  hide  some  dreary,  dismal  fall. 

Or  else  a  dream  of  rapture  new. 
But  High  or  Low  heeds  not  our  anxious  call, 

The  sight  has  failed,  what  can  we  do? 

Then,  waking  from  the  spirit's  deepest  cell. 
Faith  peers  through  mist  of  doubtful  way, 

To  sound  the  warning  note  where  dangers  dwell, 
Or  speeds  the  steps  that  must  not  stay. 

Helpless,  impotent  and  too  often  blind. 

We  grope  mid  shades  and  cry  for  sight. 

Till  led  by  Faith's  sweet  hand,  the  Truth  we  fine 
And  tread  our  path  with  its  pure  light. 


83 


WELL  DOING 


And  let  us  not  be  weary  in  well-doing,  for  in  due  season 
we  shall  reap  if  we  faint  not. — Galatians,  vi  :g. 


"Well  doing"  is  the  Christian's  banner  call, 
A  cheering  word,  a  help  in  need, 

An  upright  life,  with  love  sincere  for  all. 
This  is  the  fruitage  of  his  creed. 

Seed  time  and  harvest  in  their  turn  abide, 
It  is  the  law  that  holds  the  world: 

The  yield  is  bounteous  and  the  field  is  wide. 
The  cry  of  want  is  ever  heard. 

Who  gives  the  most  shall  find  the  largest  yield. 
Some  sow  in  tears  to  reap  in  joy; 

And  they  who  weary  not,  though  rough  the  field, 
Shall  find  in  love  their  sweet  employ. 


SPEAKING 


THE 


TRUTH 


Vv  heref ore,  putting  away  lying,  speak  every  mcin  truth 
with  his  neighbor:  for  we  are  members  one  of  another. — 
Ephesians,  iv:25. 

Let  Truth  have  right  of  way, 
Though  Error  in  bedizened  garments  ride; 
Under  veil  of  Beauty  its  falseness  hide; 

Heed  not  what  sophists  say. 

A  lie  seems  a  small  thing, 
But  one  may  be  the  herald  of  its  kind. 
To  fill  the  air,  and  fill  the  darkened  mind, 

And  shame  and  sorrow  bring. 

That  lie,  forevermore 
Changeless,  with  brood  of  evils  in  its  wake. 
May  gather  volume  as  it  rolls  to  break 

On  far  eternal  shore. 

Some  one  knows  what  we  do. 
Be  our  living  circle  small  or  great. 
Always  some  neighbor  standing  at  the  gate 

Hails  us  as  we  pass  through. 

Truth  calls  on  us  for  yea. 
An  humble,  conscious,  obedient  will. 
The  solemn  duties  of  our  station  fill. 

While  sin  shall  have  its  nay. 

B5 


ALL        THROUGH  CHRIST 


I  can  do  all  things  through  Christ  which  strengtheneth 
me. — Philippians,  iv:i3. 

The  victor's  shout  rings  o'er  the  battlefield, 
From  one  grown  old  with  many  scars; 

Who  holds  aloft  the  Christian's  sword  and  shield, 
His  trusty  aids  through  grievous  wars. 

Not  his  the  glory  of  the  winning  side. 

No  pride  of  victory  his  claim. 
The  "Everlasting  Arms"  about  him  bide, 

He  conquers  in  his  leader's  name. 

He  chants  the  hymn  the  Gospel  soldier  sings, 
When  battles  for  the  Right  are  won, 

Not  for  himself  the  note  of  triumph  rings. 
From  Christ  alone  his  strength  has  come. 

In  vain  the  tyrant's  threat,  the  cold  neglect, 
Or  scorn  of  those  who  Faith  deride, 

Before  that  dauntless  man,  with  head  erect. 
Who  knows  that  Christ  is  on  his  side. 


86 


THE 


CHEERFUL 


CHRISTIAN 


Let  the  Word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly,  in  all  wisdom, 
teaching  and  admonishing  one  another  in  psalms  and  hymns 
and  spiritual  songs,  singing  with  grace  in  your  hearts  to  the 
Lord. — Colossians,  iii:i6. 


The  blessed  words  of  Christ,  how  rich  they  are. 

What  legacy  for  heart  and  mind! 
They  lift  the  soul  to  higher  visions  far, 

Than  proud  philosophy  can  find. 

The  psalms  and  hymns  and  songs  of  grace  foreshow 

That  wisdom  is  of  cheerful  birth, 
The  angels  round  the  throne  with  praises  glow, 

And  saints  may  do  the  same  on  earth. 

Lift  up  the  drooping  head  and  cease  to  mourn, 
With  cheerful  voice  thy  brother  greet, 

The  day  of  gladness  for  the  world  was  born, 
When  Earth  was  trodden  by  His  feet. 


87 


THE  STRAITENED  WAY 


Abstain  from  all  appearance  of  evil. — i  Thessalonians, 
v:22. 


We  are  as  children  of  the  Father's  love, 
And  may  not  wander  on  our  way, 

Lest  in  forbidden  paths  of  sin  we  rove. 
And  lose  the  gladness  of  our  day. 

We  would  not  wound  his  love  or  shun  his  care, 
Or  bring  reproach  upon  his  name. 

Why  rashly  throw  aside  our  filial  share, 
And  mourn  too  late  a  needless  shame? 

Straitened  and  narrow  is  the  path  we  tread, 
But  Love  supreme  shall  be  our  guide. 

If  by  that  hand  divine  our  steps  are  led, 
We  need  not  fear  where  dangers  hide. 


88 


THE  LORD 


IS  FAITHFUL 


But  the  Lord  is  faithful  who  shall  *stablish  and  keep  you 
from  evil. — 2  Thessalonians,  iii  13. 


The  Lord,  He  changes  not,  but  ever  sure 

His  covenant  eternal  stands. 
He  gives  his  children  courage  to  endure, 
And  clasps  in  his  their  willing  hands. 
All  else  may  fall. 
He  faithful  is^ — through  all. 

Upon  his  present  help  they  learn  to  rest 
Who  seek  the  guidance  of  his  face, 
Nor  fear  what  Earth  can  do  their  faith  to  test. 
'Stablished  by  his  sovereign  grace, 
He  makes  them  strong, 
In  love  of  Truth  and  hate  of  Wrong. 

The  path  of  Faith  may  long  and  weary  seem, 

Beset  by  many  evil  foes. 
But  light  and  gladness  on  the  end  shall  gleam, 
Vv^hen  the  rapt  soul  its  fulness  knows. 
The  way  grows  dear, 
The  Lord  in  faithfulness  is  near. 
89 


THE      GAIN       OF  GODLINESS 


But  Godliness  with  Contentment  is  great  gain. — i  Timo- 
thy, vi  :6. 

What  call  ye  Gain?   Large  fruitage  of  the  soil? 

More  coffers  filled  with  shining  gold? 
New  ventures  cleared  by  prodigies  of  toil? 

Your  flocks  and  herds  in  larger  fold? 

What  call  ye  Gain?   The  stress  of  bolder  thought, 
That  gleans  fresh  truth  from  furrowed  fields? 

Some  secret  force  by  patient  science  sought, 
To  fill  our  life  with  larger 'yields? 

What  call  ye  Gain?    Some  trophy  won  in  strife? 

Some  laurel  wreath  that  tells  of  fame, 
While  care  eats  out  the  heartiness  of  life, 

And  peace  is  but  an  empty  name? 

What  call  ye  Gain?   Some  feeble,  flickering  light 
That  glows  through  its  brief  span  and  dies? 

With  naught  behind  it  but  deeper,  denser  night, 
Dark  clouds  between  us  and  the  skies? 

How  shall  we  find  that  true  and  lasting  gain, 

A  restful  soul,  unsoiled  by  tears. 
Where  calmness  and  contentment  constant  reign, 

And  Godliness  casts  out  all  fears? 


go 


LEARNING        WITHOUT  KNOWLEDGE 


Ever  learning  and  never  able  to  come  to  the  knowledge 
of  the  Truth. — 2  Timothy,  iiiiy. 

Ever  seeking  to  know  the  thing  that  is  new 

Yet  never  true  learning  can  gain; 
Striving  for  knowledge  that  ends  with  the  view, 

Storing  the  mind  with  theories  vain. 

Forever  to  learn,  yet  nothing  to  know, 

That  counts  for  true  worth  to  the  soul, 

No  Faith  that  will  stand  Adversity's  blow, 
No  Hope  that  can  see  the  far  goal. 

Though  clothed  with  vestments  of  Science  and  Art, 
The  worldly-wise  never  can  know. 

The  knowledge  that  Heaven  alone  can  impart 
When  its  light  on  searching  shall  glow. 

Deep  lies  the  knowledge  true  learners  must  seek. 
Beyond  the  bare  yieldings  of  Earth. 

The  Spirit  of  Love  is  gentle  and  meek, 
And  Wisdom  is  holy  of  birth. 

91 


THE 


PURE 


HEART 


Unto  the  pure  all  things  are  pure,  but  unto  them  that  are 
defiled  and  unbelieving  is  nothing  pure,  but  even  their  mind 
and  conscience  is  defiled. — Titus,  i:i5. 

Sweet  the  waters  that  from  pure  fountains  flow, 
And  rich  with  blessings  on  their  way; 

So  from  the  hearts  that  only  pureness  know, 
The  graces  of  the  spirit  stray. 

But  when  the  fountains  are  despoiled  and  foul, 

Then  only  vileness  can  they  give; 
So  in  the  depths  of  sin-polluted  soul. 

All  thoughts  and  aims  impure  must  live. 

Like  answers  like,  for  evil  or  for  good. 

As  the  fountain  so  is  its  stream. 
We  cannot  drift  through  life  in  careless  mood, 

Or  make  our  destiny  a  dream. 

O  God,  through  thee  alone  we  stand  secure. 
As  oft  through  sin  we  fight  our  way; 

Keep  thou  our  heart  and  mind  and  conscience  pure, 
And  guard  us  from  ourselves  we  pray. 

92 


FOR         LOVE'S  SAKE 


Yet  for  love's  sake  I  rather  beseech  thee,  being  such  an 
one  as  Paul  the  aged  and  now  also  a  prisoner  of  Jesus 
Christ. — Philemon,  i:g. 


The  fiery  zeal  of  youth  no  longer  burns. 

From  stern  command  of  early  days, 
To  the  sweeter,  gentler  pleas  of  love  he  turns: 

Age  has  changed  the  apostle's  ways. 

He  still  may  show  his  many  wounds  and  scars, 
The  seals  of  triumphs  he  has  won. 

He  still  must  face  the  gloomy  prison  bars, 
His  work  for  Christ  is  not  yet  done. 

His  foes  may  flaunt  their  hatred  in  his  face. 
Their  stripes  and  scornings  he  can  take, 

For  Faith  has  wrought  in  him  its  mellow  grace. 
And  he  beseeches  for  Love's  sake. 


93 


ASSURED  FAITH 


Now  Faith  is  the  substance  of  things  hoped  for,  the  evi- 
dence of  things  not  seen. — Hebrews,  xi:i. 

Faith  with  its  silent  and  mysterious  force, 
That  wraps  the  soul  in  firm  embrace, 

Beholds  the  mighty  truths  whose  primal  source. 
No  earth-enchanted  mind  can  trace. 

It  leaves  the  darkness  and  the  gloom  behind. 
And  bathes  in  pure  celestial  light; 

Nor  ends  its  search  or  stays  the  eager  mind. 
Till  lost  in  ecstacy  of  sight. 

Faith  sees  the  end  no  human  eye  can  see, 
And  hears  the  voice  no  ear  can  sound, 

It  tastes  the  sweets  of  joys  that  yet  shall  be, 

Where  Love  has  sought  and  Faith  has  found. 

It  builds  a  world  upon  foundations  new, 
Where  Hope  its  full  fruition  gains, 

Nor  fears  what  sorrow,  pain,  or  Death  can  do, 
With  God  to  bless  and  guide  its  aims. 

94 


THE  HEIRS  TO  THE  PROMISED  KINGDOM 


Hearken,  my  beloved  brethren.  Hath  not  God  chosen  the 
poor  of  this  world,  rich  in  faith,  and  heirs  of  the  Kingdom 
which  he  hath  promised  to  them  that  love  him? — ^James,  ii:5. 

Who  will  the  glory  of  that  Kingdom  share, 

When  Christ,  the  Lord,  shall  come  to  reign? 

Can  rank  or  wealth  secure  an  entrance  there, 
Or  proud  Ambition  press  its  claim? 

No  eye  of  man  hath  seen,  or  tongue  can  tell, 
What  in  that  Kingdom  there  shall  be, 

But  souls  in  peace  and  righteousness  shall  dwell, 
From  every  stain  of  sin  set  free. 

The  glow  of  Earthly  rank  and  state  has  fled. 
The  poor  have  to  the  heirship  come. 

The  meek  and  lowly  lift  a  joyful  head. 

The  slaves  are  free,  their  work  is  done. 

What  Love  Divine!    What  miracle  of  grace. 

That  so  reverses  human  fate! 
That  holds  a  crown  of  glory  for  a  fallen  race, 

When  Death  has  sealed  this  mortal  state. 

95 


THE     JUDGE     AT     THE  DOOR 


Behold  the  Judge  standeth  before  the  door. — ^James,  v:9. 


The  hour  has  struck,  the  Judge  is  at  the  door; 

The  door  that  guards  our  inner  life: 
Its  aims  and  deeds  and  all  our  harvest  store 

Of  right  and  wrong,  of  love  and  strife. 

What  shall  we  do  when  secret  bars  are  down, 
And  all  our  past  lies  open  wide? 

Shall  we  shrink  to  have  our  wanderings  known. 
Some  signs  of  weakness  we  would  hide? 

Some  tears  we  shed,  for  we  have  suffered,  too; 

Will  they  suffice  to  cleanse  all  stain? 
Some  little  good  we  may  have  tried  to  do; 

Will  that  be  counted  for  our  gain? 

O  Judge  of  all!    In  that  supremest  day, 
When  all  our  doors  shall  open  be; 

Condone  our  sinful  and  unsteadfast  way. 
For  "I  have  loved"  our  only  plea. 

96 


GOOD  DAYS 


For  he  that  will  love  life  and  see  good  days,  let  him  re- 
frain his  tongue  from  evil  and  his  lips  that  they  speak  no 
guile. — I  Peter,  iii:io. 


How  shall  we  live,  that  living  may  be  sweet, 
And  "good  days"  come  with  cheerful  pace? 

How  curb  our  lips  to  sayings  wise  and  meet. 
That  daily  talk  show  signs  of  grace? 

A  kindly  word  may  have  mysterious  power, 
To  stir  some  soul  to  nobler  deed. 

Cast  gleams  of  brightness  o'er  a  darkened  hour, 
Or  help  some  friend  in  time  of  need. 

A  word  may  herald  forth  our  love  or  hate. 
When  measure  of  the  heart  it  shows. 

And  plant  in  other  minds  the  seeds  of  fate, 
Or  bring  ourselves  unmeasured  woes. 


97 


THE 


STAR 


OF*  PROMISE 


We  have  also  a  more  sure  word  of  prophecy  whereunto  ye 
do  well  that  ye  take  heed  as  unto  a  light  that  shineth  in  a  dark 
place  until  the  day  dawn  and  the  day-star  arise  in  your 
hearts. — 2  Peter,  iiig. 

If  days  of  darkness  come,  as  come  they  may, 

When  Hope  seems  lost  in  settled  gloom. 
When  Faith  grown  timid  falters  on  the  way, 

And  naught  we  see  but  coming  doom; 
Ah!  then,  if  some  sure  word  of  promise  near. 

Should  part  the  murky  clouds  in  twain. 
How  bright  the  Morning-Star  would  then  appear! 

How  stir  the  heart  with  strength  again! 

O  Blessed  Word!    The  Christian's  guiding  Star! 

That  shows  the  trembling  earth  its  way. 
And  though  the  gloom  of  night  may  travel  far. 

Its  light  proclaims  the  dawn  of  day. 
If  waves  of  unbelief  sweep  o'er  the  land, 

And  men  grow  rich  while  churches  pine; 
When  sceptics  bold  in  public  places  stand. 

Ah!  then,  may  Stars  of  Promise  shine! 


98 


THE    LOVE    THAT    KNOWS    NO  FEAR 


There  is  no  fear  in  love  but  perfect  love  casteth  out  fear. — 
I  John,  iv:i8. 

No  blemish  mars  the  face  of  perfect  love, 

But  pure  and  spotless  it  must  be, 
Its  strength  is  fed  from  living  springs  above, 

That  flow  with  blessings,  boundless,  free. 
It  is  the  bud  and  flower  of  joys  divine, 

For  God  is  Love.   Fear  hath  no  place 
In  souls  that  nourish  Love  with  trust  sublime. 

And  pray  the  Holy  One  for  grace. 

Love  holds  the  whole  created  world  in  cheek, 

With  gentle  mercy  at  its  side. 
It  lifts  the  lowly,  saves  the  humble  ones  from  wrec 

And  stays  Oppression's  cruel  tide. 
Anger,  Hate  and  Pride, — all  that  wretched  bro* 

That  stalk  the  earth  to  maim  and  fright. 
With  Doubts  and  Fears,  by  Perfect  Love  withst 

Flee  as  the  darkness  flees  from  light. 


99 


THE      PASSING  WORLD 


And  the  world  passeth  away. — i  John,  iiiiy. 

Whither  have  they  gone,  those  unnumbered  hosts 
That  walked  the  earth  by  day  and  night? 

Men  and  women  once — now  but  silent  ghosts, 
Vanished  long  since  from  human  sight. 

Onward  and  onward  still  in  swollen  ranks, 

They  cross  the  river  one  by  one; 
Some  who  would  gladly  rest  upon  the  banks. 

The  weary  souls  who  far  have  come. 

The  aged  Pilgrims  with  their  rod  and  staff, 
The  little  child  of  sweet,  brief  day; 

With  groan  of  toilers  and  merry-makers  laugh. 
All  these  from  earth  have  passed  away. 

Gone  from  them  all,  life's  scheming,  planning  hour. 
The  wealth  for  which  they  toiled  and  spun 

The  lofty  structure  of  ambition's  power; 
The  broken  dream  of  things  undone. 


THE      PASSING  WORLD 


Gone,  too,  the  chilling  doubt  and  scalding  tear, 
All  the  madness  of  wanton  crime; 

The  heart-ache  for  some  sorrow  ever  near, 
The  burden-bearing  toil  and  grime. 

Faith  illumined  another  world  hath  found, 
With  glories  far  outshining  this, 

Where  death,  disease  and  sin  no  more  abound, 
Where  living  is  eternal  bliss. 


xox 


FOR        TRUTH'S  SAKE 


For  the  Truth's  sake  which  dwelleth  in  us  and  shall  be 
with  us  forever. — 2  John,  i  :2. 

"For  Truth's  Sake''  is  the  stern  yet  loving  call 
That  cheers  the  martyr  at  the  stake, 

That  summons  conscience  from  lethargic  thrall, 
And  bids  the  dormant  spirit  wake. 

It  sternly  weighs  our  purposes  and  deeds, 

Inspires  the  mind  to  noblest  quest, 
Gives  to  the  heart  the  blessed  peace  it  needs. 

And  stills  the  yearning  soul  to  rest. 

Calm  and  serene,  truth  in  its  oneness  dwells, 

Above  the  worldlings'  easy  creed, 
Nor  heeds  the  lures  that  godless  Reason  spells, 

Or  myths  that  subtle  sceptics  breed. 

If  truth  within  us  dwell,  what  power  can  stay 
Its  constant  reign  when  Time  has  fled. 

Through  that  glorious  and  unending  way, 
When  falsehood  and  deceit  are  dead? 

102 


WHAT  TO  FOLLOW 


Beloved,  follow  not  that  which  is  evil,  but  that  which  is 
good. — 3  John,  i:ii. 


What  grace  adorns  the  simple  words  he  speaks, 
He  who  had  known  and  loved  the  Lord; 

And  yet  what  weighty  truth  for  one  who  seeks 
True  light  and  guidance  for  this  world. 

How  moral  life  and  death  hang  in  the  scale! 

A  peaceful  end  and  blissful  goal, 
Or  strife  and  bitterness  and  sorrow's  wail, 

With  loss  of  body  and  of  soul. 

For  Sinai's  thunders  send  a  warning  voice, 
That  finds  an  echo  from  the  Cross, 

'Twixt  good  and  evil  lies  momentous  choice. 
The  one  all  gain — the  other  loss. 


103 


THE  DOXOLOGY 


To  the  only  wise  God,  our  Saviour,  be  glory  and  majesty, 
dominion  and  power,  both  now  and  ever  after.  Amen. — 
Jude,  i  125. 


The  words  of  counsel  and  monition  rest, 
The  pleadings  of  the  prophets  cease; 

As  falls  the  dew  on  Nature's  quiet  breast, 
So  falls  the  evening  prayer  of  peace. 

To  Him  alone  from  whom  all  wisdom  flows, 
Be  honor  and  dominion  shown, 

Through  all  created  worlds  his  splendor  glows, 
The  only  wise,  the  Glorious  One. 

He  knows  our  weakness  and  our  strivings,  too; 

All  our  sad  sinning,  now  and  past. 
And  tells  us  plainly  all  that  we  must  do. 

To  gain  his  blessing  at  the  last. 


104 


HE        THAT  OVERCOMETH 


He  that  overcometh  shall  inherit  all  things  and  I  will  be 
his  God  and  he  shall  be  my  son. — Revelation,  xxiij. 

In  His  Father's  House,  where  the  many  mansions  be, 
Christ's  faithful  ones  shall  find  their  home, 

And  though,  at  times,  the  way  seems  long  and  drear, 

Beset  by  many  foes  of  doubt  and  fear, 
Yet  those  who  strive  and  overcome. 

Shall  promised  ending  of  their  hardships  see. 

Then  they  who  bravely  toiled  in  foreign  fields. 
Shall  hail  the  day  of  "Harvest  Home," 

Where  they  who  sowed  in  tears  shall  reap  in  joy, 

And  they  who  in  his  cause  found  sweet  employ, 
And  struggled  hard  to  overcome. 

Shall  find  the  rest  that  faithful  service  yields. 

They  who  as  soldiers  of  the  Cross  enrolled, 

And  in  His  Name  the  battle  won; 
Who  sternly  frowned  on  compromise  with  sin, 
And  bravely  fought  its  wiles,  without,  within; 

Till  all  its  power  was  overcome, 
Shall  at  the  last  their  King  and  Lord  behold. 

105 


THE    RIVER    AND    THE    TREE    OF  LIFE 


And  he  showed  me  a  pure  river  of  water  of  Life,  clear  as 
crystal,  proceeding  out  of  the  throne  of  God  and  the  Lamb. 

In  the  midst  of  the  street  of  it  and  on  either  side  of  the 
river  was  there  the  tree  of  Life. — Revelation,  xxii:i-2. 

From  the  throne  of  God  and  the  Lamb  it  flows, 

This  river  as  crystal  so  pure, 
And  the  Tree  of  Life  that  on  the  bank  grows, 

All  sinning  and  weeping  shall  cure. 

Soft  are  the  shadows  of  the  healing  leaf, 
Those  who  bear  the  heat  of  the  day, 

Lay  down  their  garner  of  basket  and  sheaf. 
And  rest  from  the  toils  of  the  way. 

Onward  and  ever  those  pure  waters  glide, 

Nor  years  nor  storms  disturb  their  breast, 

And  ever  that  Tree  on  its  bank  shall  bide, 
While  sad  souls  are  sighing  for  rest. 

Onward  and  ever  that  mystical  stream. 

Flows  from  the  Great  White  Throne  above, 

While  pain  and  death  are  never  more  seen, 
And  all  that  remaineth  is  love. 

zo6 


THE    RIVER    AND    THE    TREE    OF  LIFE 


Then  the  myriad  streams  of  human  thought, 
Shall  flow  into  that  boundless  sea; 

Where  the  ransomed  world  to  its  home  is  brought, 
Whose  King,  the  Lord  of  Life,  shall  be. 

Who  in  that  world  of  blessedness  shall  live. 
Where  none  are  known  as  rich  or  poor? 

Who  in  that  mighty  Song  of  Praise  shall  give. 
Their  notes  to  swell  the  volume  more? 


107 


RETROSPECTIVE 


I  stood  at  evening  tide  beside  the  curb 
Of  an  old  well  and  looked  down  on  water 
Deep,  silent,  motionless.    No  soft  wind  blew, 
No  ripple  stirred  its  calm,  placid  surface. 
Beneath  were  secret  springs  that  ever  fed 
The  well  and  kept  the  water  sweet  and  pure, 
But  I  could  see  them  not. 

Intent,  I  gazed 
Upon  that  voiceless  and  mysterious  depth, 
Wondering  much  what  might  be  hidden  there. 
While  I  looked  and  pondered,  lo,  a  bright  star, 
The  harbinger  of  Night,  shone  in  the  sky, 
And  flashed  its  message  on  the  well's  dark  face. 
Beautiful  it  seemed,  e'en  in  solitude. 
It  was  not  long  alone.   Soon  other  stars, 
And  others  still,  shone  out,  above,  below. 
Until  the  waters  of  that  ancient  well 
Erstwhile  so  calm  and  mute,  luminous  grew 
With  stars,  one  by  one,  and  the  skies  above 
Seemed  joined  to  earth  in  loving  clasp. 

io8 


RETROSPECTIVE 


I  thought 

How  pure  and  sweet,  and  healthful  those  waters  were 
That  the  stars  of  heaven  had  kissed. 

Then  I  deemed 

That  it  was  so  with  that  ancient  Book  of  Life, 
Into  whose  fathomless  depths  he  who  looks 
With  humble,  reverent  search,  shall  see 
The  light  of  heaven  shine  upon  each  page, 
Making  luminous  that  before  was  dark. 


log 


INDEX 


SUBJECT  REFERENCE  PAGE 

The  Bible    6 

The  Bond  of  Earth  and  Sky  Gen.,  viii:22  .  . .   9 

The  Manna  Exod.,  xvi:15   10 

The  First  Fruits  Levit.,  ii:12   11 

The  Unchanging  God  Num.,  xxiii:19   12 

The  Merciful  God  Deut.,  iv:31   13 

Joshua's  Old  Age  Joshua,  xiii:l   14 

Jael,  Heber's  Wife  Judges,  iv:21   15 

The  Faithful  Ruth  Ruth,  i:16   16 

The  Voice  That  Samuel  Heard  ...  1  Samuel,  iii:10   17 

David's  Lament  for  Absalom  2  Samuel,  xix:4   18 

The  Meal  and  Oil   1  Kings,  xvii:16   21 

The  Heavenly  Host  2  Kings,  vi:17   22 

Uzza  and  the  Ark  1  Chron.,  xiii:10   23 

Athaliah  2  Chron.,  xxiiilO   24 

The  Old  Temple  and  the  New  Ezra,  iii  :13   26 

Rebuilding  of  the  Temple  Neh.,  iv:17   27 

Queen  Esther's  Request  Esther,  v:3   28 

The  Secret  Vision  Job,  xlii:5,  6   29 

Lord  Guide  Me  with  Thine  Eye .  .  .Psalms,  xxxii:8   30 

Under  His  Shadow  Psalms,  xci:l   31 

Our  Refuge  and  Fortress  Psalms,  xci:2   32 

The  Wayside  Brook  Psalms,  cx:7   33 

The  Worth  of  Wisdom  Pro  v.,  viiiill   34 

Light  and  Darkness  Eccl.,  xi:7,  8   35 

Love  Song  of  Solomon,  viii:7  .  36 

The  Wilderness  Made  Glad  Isaiah,  xxxv:l   37 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  Isaiah,  xxxii:2   38 

The  Swelling  of  the  Jordan  Jer.,  xii  :5   40 

The  Voice  of  the  Soul  Lam.,  iii:24   41 

The  Valley  of  Dry  Bones  Ezek.,  xxxvii:3 .   42 

no 


INDEX 


SUBJECT  REFERENCE  PAGE 

Daniel  and  the  Lions  Daniel,  vi:16   43 

The  Latter  and  Former  Rain  Hosea,  vi:3   45 

The  Fig  Tree  and  the  Vine  Revive,  Joel,  ii:22   46 

The  Famine  of  the  Word  Amos,  viii:ll   47 

The  Fall  of  Edom  Obad.,  i:4   48 

Jonah  and  the  Whale  Jonah,  i:17   49 

What  God  Requires  of  Us  Micah,  vi:8    50 

The  Fall  of  Nineveh  Nahum,  iii:8    51 

The  Lord  is  in  His  Holy  Temple .  .  .  Habakkuk,  ii :20   52 

In  the  Day  of  His  Wrath  Zeph. ,  ii  :3   53 

The  World's  Desire  Haggai,  ii:7   54 

The  Latter  Rain  Zech.,  x:l   55 

At  Evening  Time  It  Shall  be  Light . Zech.,  xiv:7   56 

The  Messenger  of  the  Covenant.  .  .Mai.,  iii:l   59 

The  Way  of  Jesus   63 

The  Blessing  of  the  Poor  in  Spirit .  .  Matth.,  v:3   66 

The  House  Upon  Sand  Matth.,  vii:27   67 

Peter's  Denial  of  Christ  Matth.,  xxvi:58   70 

The  Other  Little  Ships  Mark,  iv:36   71 

Martha  and  Mary  Luke,  x:41   73 

Drink  for  Thirsting  Souls  John,  vii:37   74 

The  Service  of  Love  John,  xiii:5   75 

The  Way,  the  Truth  and  the  Life .  .  John,  xiv:6   76 

Peter's  Deliverance  from  Prison.  .  .Acts,  xii:7   77 

Faith  Romans,  viii:38-39    80 

Charity  1  Cor.,  xiii:13   82 

Walking  by  Faith                        .2  Cor.,  v:7   83 

Well  Doing  Gal.,  vi:9   84 

Speaking  the  Truth  Eph.,  iv:25   85 

All  Through  Christ  Phil.,  iv:13   86 

The  Cheerful  Christian  Col.,  iii:16    87 


HI 


INDEX 


SUBJECT  REFERENCE  PAGE 

The  Straitened  Way  1  Thess.,  v:22   88 

The  Lord  is  Faithful  2  Thess.,  iii:3   89 

The  Gain  of  Godliness   1  Tim.,  vi:6   90 

Learning  Without  Knowledge  ...  .2  Tim.,  iii:7   91 

The  Pure  in  Heart  Titus,  i:15   92 

For  Love's  Sake  Phil.,  i:9    93 

Assured  Faith  Heb.,  xi:l   94 

Heirs  to  the  Promised  Kingdom ....  James,  ii  :5   95 

The  Judge  at  the  Door  James,  v:9   96 

Good  Days  1  Peter,  iii:10   97 

The  Star  of  Promise  2  Peter,  i:19   98 

Love  That  Knows  no  Fear  1  John,  iv:18   99 

The  Passing  World  1  John,  ii:17   100 

For  Truth's  Sake  2  John,  i:2   102 

What  to  Follow  3  John,  1:11   103 

The  Doxology  Jude,  i:25   104 

He  That  Overcometh  Rev.,  xxi:7   105 

The  River  of  Life  and  the  Tree ....  Rev.,  xxii:l   106 

Retrospective   108 


XI9 


I. 


